Doha, Qatar – 18 February 2026: The prestigious CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines returns to the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab from 18–21 February, marking its 13th edition with four days of elite international competition across show jumping, dressage and para dressage.
As one of only a handful of CHI (Concours Hippique International) events worldwide — and the only one of its kind in the Middle East and Asia — the championship once again places Doha at the centre of the global equestrian calendar.
A Premium Multi-Discipline Showcase
With a total prize fund of €1,373,000, the 2026 programme welcomes a powerful international field. Show jumping alone will feature 303 riders and 469 horses representing more than 40 nations, competing across CSIY-B, CSICh-B, CSI1*, CSI3* and CSI5* categories.
The dressage arena will host CDI5* competition with 14 riders, alongside CDI1* classes and CPEDI3* para dressage, reinforcing the event’s commitment to inclusion and multi-discipline excellence.
“CHI Al Shaqab reflects our continued commitment to delivering world-class equestrian sport,” said Sheikh Talal bin Khalid Al-Thani of the Doha Equestrian Tour. “It reinforces Doha’s position on the international calendar and builds toward a Grand Prix weekend headlined by Saturday’s CSI5* Grand Prix presented by Longines.”
Qatar’s Sporting Vision
Organised by Al Shaqab, the Qatar Equestrian Federation and the Qatar Olympic Committee, the event underscores Qatar’s broader sporting ambitions.
Jassim Al Mahmoud, Director of Communications and Public Relations at Visit Qatar, highlighted the championship’s cultural significance.
“Equestrian sport holds a special place in Qatar’s heritage and national identity,” he said. “This championship showcases that legacy to international audiences while inviting visitors to experience Qatar’s hospitality and infrastructure.”
World-Class Competition
In the CSI4*/5* standings, British rider Scott Brash leads on 199 points, ahead of compatriot Harry Charles (144) and France’s Megane Moissonnier (113).
The CSI1* leaderboard features strong Qatari representation, with Saad Ahmed S A Al Saad leading the standings.
Para dressage athlete Fiona Howard of the United States, winner of the Para Grand Prix A (Grade II) at CHI Al Shaqab 2023, expressed her enthusiasm for returning to Doha.
“This is always my favourite competition of the year,” she said. “The weather is incredible, the people are welcoming, and it’s a special experience for my horses.”
Grand Prix Weekend Awaits
The programme builds steadily toward a blockbuster Saturday on 21 February. Highlights include:
- CPEDI3 Para Grand Prix A and B*
- CDI5 Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special*
- CSI3 Jump & Drive*, a crowd-favourite format combining show jumping and a high-speed driving challenge
- The headline CSI5 CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix presented by Longines (1.60m Jump-Off)*
The Jump & Drive competition promises particular excitement, as riders complete a jumping round before switching to a car to race through a driving course — blending precision, speed and spectacle.
A Global Equestrian Hub
The event forms part of the newly inaugurated Doha Equestrian Tour, launched in 2025 to further elevate the city’s standing as a global equestrian destination. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Longines Arena, the Tour combines elite sport with refined presentation and world-class organisation.
With international stars, rising regional talent and multiple Grand Prix finals across disciplines, CHI Al Shaqab 2026 once again promises a week of premium sport — and a powerful showcase of Doha’s growing influence in the world of equestrian competition.
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