Doha Equestrian Tour Launches with H H the Father Amir Prix

The 2026 Doha Equestrian Tour officially begins with the H H the Father Amir Equestrian Prix, set to take place from January 2 to 31, 2026, at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab in Doha, Qatar. This prestigious event will feature participation from over 240 riders and boasts a prize pool exceeding €3.3 million.

Significance and Impact of the Event

The Organizing Committee has confirmed their readiness for the inaugural championship, which is not only the opening event of the season but also a key element of the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026. According to Bader bin Mohammed Al-Darwish, President of the Qatar Equestrian Federation, the event represents one of the strategic pillars of the tour, which includes a total of 10 international championships classified from one to five stars.

Al-Darwish stated that the tour will run until April 4, 2026, with a total prize pool exceeding €10 million. He emphasized that this championship serves as a national platform, aligned with international standards, reflecting Qatar’s vision of using sports to drive sustainable development and enhance its global presence.

The event carries profound symbolic importance, named in honor of H H the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who played a pivotal role in the nation’s development and the advancement of equestrian sports within Qatar’s cultural identity.

Enhancing Qatar’s International Standing

The Qatar Equestrian Federation views this championship as a vital opportunity to elevate Qatar’s profile on the international equestrian map. It aims to broaden global participation while supporting the growth of equestrian sports at both local and regional levels.

Moreover, the championship is expected to significantly benefit the sports economy by attracting visitors, official delegations, and industry stakeholders. This influx is anticipated to stimulate investments linked to equestrianism and the hosting of large-scale events. The timing of the Doha Equestrian Tour, alongside other international sporting events in Qatar, aims to maximize economic and media impact, reinforcing Doha’s position as a leading global sporting destination.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Noah Al Thani, Secretary General of the Qatar Equestrian Federation, noted that the tour reflects the federation’s long-term strategy to establish a sustainable sporting legacy rooted in quality and innovation, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. He confirmed that the organizing committee is focused on setting a benchmark for excellence in both organization and competitive quality, adhering to standards set by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

The championship program is designed to include competitions ranging from one to five stars, as well as categories for juniors and youth. This comprehensive format ensures broad participation, talent development, and a high technical standard across the championship’s four rounds.

All organizational and technical requirements at the Longines Arena have been completed, ensuring readiness in areas such as logistics, hospitality, media operations, and television broadcasting. These preparations aim to provide an exceptional sporting experience for both participants and spectators, further solidifying the Doha Equestrian Tour as a premier event in the global equestrian calendar.