(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The fourth edition of the prestigious CHI Al Shaqab equestrian competition, will see top-ranking local, regional and international riders compete in Jumping CSI 5* and CSI 4*, Dressage CDI 5*, and Para-Dressage from today till Saturday in Doha.
As the only event of its kind in the Middle East and Asia, CHI Al Shaqab will see more than 130 riders battle it out for a piece of the $1.3 million in prize money.
Held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad al-Thani, Chairman of Al Shaqab board of directors, the five star jumping and dressage riders will mix with the tradition of the Arab horse and the hospitality of the Middle East, creating a unique sport setting.
The list of participants in the Jumping CSI 5* promises a heated competition between some of the world's finest riders and the most popular names in equestrian sport.
Confirmed entries for the Show Jumping category include the world's highest ranked show jumper, Scott Brash, along with world-ranking riders Abdullah al-sharbatly, Edwina Tops-Alexander, and, Qatar's Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani.
Hayley Watson Graves, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Patrik Kittel are among the top riders set to compete in the Dressage category. Featuring Para-Dressage for the second year running, top riders confirmed for this discipline include Pep Puch, Nicole Den Dulk and Rixt van der Horst.
CHI Al Shaqab is one of only four international annual equestrian competitions that showcase more than three equestrian disciplines in one event.
A front runner among Arab riders is the 2014 Asian Games Team Gold medallist, Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani, who will lead a field of seven riders from Qatar entered in the competition.
Qatar team qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro with victory at the second leg of the Furusiyya 2015 series in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in February last year. Besides Sheikh Ali, the core squad includes Faleh al-Ajami, Ahmad al-Attiyah, Khaled al-Emadi, Ali Rumaihi, Mubarak al- Rumaihi and Bassem Mohammed.
Veteran Saudi rider Abdullah al-Sharbatly, one of the Arab world's most successful jockeys in the Jumping discipline, has recently achieved a number of good results at regional and international competitions. He will be closely followed by a large crowd of equestrian enthusiasts from the Gulf region.
Al Sharbatly is the 2006 Asian Games Team Gold medallist, the 2012 London Olympic Team Bronze medallist, the 2010 Asian Games Team Gold medallist and the 2010 World Equestrian Games Individual Silver medallist- taking the accolade as the first Arab rider in history to win an equestrian medal at an international championship.
Saudi Rider Abdulrahman al-Rajhi, who has qualified to the World Cup Final in Sweden, is also participating in CHI Al Shaqab. He will be competing for the gold medal against his compatriot Kamal Bouhmdan, also a strong favourite with a long history of achievements in Jumping.
Jordanian rider Hani Bisharat has also built a reputation for himself in Jumping, positioning the Hashemite Kingdom as a global contender in equestrian sports. He has brought two top horses to compete in the CHI Al Shaqab.
Bisharat has been part of numerous equestrian events around the world including three Olympic Games in Athens, Beijing and London and several world championships including those in Aachen, Kentucky and Las Vegas. He is currently camped in the Netherlands in preparation for the Summer Olympic Games which get underway this August, in Brazil.
Al Shaqab volunteer programme gains traction
Friends of Al Shaqab, an in-house volunteer programme of Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, was launched in 2012 with the aim to support local, regional and international events and activities of Al Shaqab, Qatar Foundation and other entities in terms of workforce management to ensure that the events are provided with the right manpower resources, especially the need for volunteers.
Headed by Fatin al-Sada, Al Shaqab's head of HR and Volunteer Programme manager, the programme is hoped to build a healthy community, enriched by volunteers with diverse nationalities, ages and professions who believe in their capacity to make a difference through volunteerism.
Friends of Al Shaqab has provided volunteers and supported in the success of various major events in Al Shaqab such as CHI Al Shaqab, Longines Global Champions Tour, Champions of Champions, Horse Auctions, Garangao Festival and other Qatar Foundation events such as National Sport Day, Ramadan Camp, Al Bawasil Camp of Qatar Diabetes Association, etc. Due to the remarkable success of the programme and good reputation, Friends of Al Shaqab has been requested by other entities as well to support in their various events and activities.
The programme has an organised, systematic and professional system with a database of almost 3,000 volunteers with comprehensive personal information including skills, interests and preferences which are vital information in assigning them to various functional areas depending on the requirements of each event. The volunteers profiles come from a wide range of various nationalities, gender and age although volunteers under 18 years of age should secure approval from their parents or guardian. The programme also supports and encourages individuals with special needs to join and be involved.
Friends of Al Shaqab is handled by the Human Resources of Al Shaqab and they are continuously inviting volunteers to register in the programme through Al Shaqab's official website. Everyone is invited to become part of this volunteer programme and take an active role in organising and supporting events while gaining memorable experience and improving relevant skills.
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