Al Shaqab Gears Up for Chi Al Shaqab 2017

Top international riders and members of the public will come together to celebrate Qatar's rich equine heritage when Al Shaqab hosts the fifth edition of Chi Al Shaqab, its top international competition, from March 2 to 4. 
Chi Al Shaqab 2017, sponsored by ExxonMobil Qatar, is one of only four international annual equestrian competitions that showcases three or more equestrian disciplines in one event. The prestigious competition will see top-ranking local, regional and international riders compete in Show Jumping CSI 5 and 3, Dressage CDI 5, and Para-Dressage CPEDI 3 at Al Shaqab's impressive grounds. 
Alongside the equine competition, visitors to AL SHAQAB will be treated to a host of entertainment and cultural activities that aim to promote a legacy of appreciation for the sport. 
Speaking at a press conference held today at Al Shaqab, Chi Al Shaqab Event Director Omar Al Mannai said the event has established itself in just five years as one of the top events on the international equestrian calendar, attracting equine enthusiasts from across the globe. "The event attracts a great deal of international interest, which sheds a light on Qatar as a nation with a sporting legacy we can be proud of. 
"We look forward to hosting top riders, members of the business community and public, who will be given an opportunity to learn more about Qatari culture and traditions and the rich Arabian equine heritage," Al Mannai added.
In turn, Saleh Al Mana, ExxonMobil Qatar vice president for government and public affairs, said Exxon Mobil Qatar believes in "the importance of the Al Shaqab International Equestrian Championship and its role in promoting Qatar's position as the global sports destination." "We are honored to be supporting this prestigious event for the fifth year running. Our support is not limited to the championship and is extended to many other programs offered by Al Shaqab, and this contributes to spreading the legacy and culture of the equestrian sport," Al Mana said.  
Speaking about the value of the event to the community, Sheikha Asmaa Al-Thani, Chi Al Shaqab marketing director, said: "In addition to being a notable sporting event, Chi Al Shaqab is an invaluable event for the wider community in Qatar. It is an opportunity to discover a sport to those who are not familiar with it, become enthused about horses capabilities, and enjoy an array of additional activities which will be available during these remarkable three days." Machaille Al Naimi, president for community development at Qatar Foundation, said: "Al Shaqab offers a platform for the community to enhance their knowledge and creativity by providing information about Qatari traditions and cultural heritage. Chi Al Shaqab, one of Qatar's flagship events, provides opportunities for the Qatari community to participate in a variety of cultural and equestrian activities." This year's event holds special significance since for Al Shaqab, as it marks our 25th anniversary. By hosting events such as Chi Al Shaqab 2017, Al Shaqab supports the Qatar Foundation Vision 2030, which aims to promote Qatar as a premier international sports destination. 
Top ranked riders will be competing at Chi Al Shaqab including Sheikh Ali Al-Thani who represented Qatar and was placed sixth in show-jumping at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He also carried Qatar's flag in the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony. 
Other top-ranked riders who will be competing in the show-jumping events include world number one Daniel Deusser (Germany), who finished second in last year's Grand Prix at Chi Al Shaqab; second-ranked Christian Ahlmann (Germany), who finished third in the 2016 Grand Prix; and Simon Delestre (France), currently ranked fifth in the world. 
Patrik Kittel (Sweden) won both the Grand Prix and the Freestyle test at Al Shaqab last year, and he'll look to repeat the feat in 2017. Other dressage riders to watch include Carl Hester (United Kingdom), the world's number five, and Inessa Merkulova (Russia), ranked sixth. Several riders will be defending their 2016 crowns in para-dressage, including 1b winner Nicole Den Dulk (Netherlands), II winner Rixt van der Horst (Netherlands), and Philippa Johnson-Dwyer (South Africa), who won the III. 
Visitors to the Chi Al Shaqab 2017 can look forward to number of exciting activities and an assortment of food and beverages in the Spectator Plaza. The dedicated entertainment zone will feature something for the entire family including interactive video games, virtual reality sets, F1 and horse simulators, face painters, illusionists, pony rides and a daycare center for toddlers. A range of cultural activities will also be on offer, including henna painters, falcon handlers and traditional food to enable visitors to experience true Qatari hospitality.

Source: QNA