A view of Longines Outdoor Arena at Al Shaqab.
Doha, Qatar: Riders from around the world are set to battle for glory as the H H The Amir Sword International Equestrian Festival 2025 kicks off at Al Shaqab today.
The three-day event, featuring showjumping and dressage competitions, runs alongside the prestigious H H The Amir Sword Horse Racing Festival at Al Rayyan Racecourse, promising an action-packed weekend for fans.
This year’s Festival has attracted 194 riders from 35 countries, competing in 26 events across Al Shaqab’s Longines indoor and outdoor arenas, with a total prize pool of €718,000. Among them are 95 Qatari riders, 30 from Saudi Arabia and 39 from Europe, with over 350 horses set to participate.
Hamad Nasser Al Qadi and Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi have made their mark in past editions, while Brazil’s Santiago Lambre clinched the prestigious title last year.
Vice-Chairman of the Organising Committee and QEF President Badr bin Mohammed Al Darwish, Doha International Tour Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin and Tournament’s Sports Director Nasser Al Hajri during a press conference yesterday.
The Festival is organised by the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF), Al Shaqab and the Qatar Olympic Committee, with the Organising Committee reaffirming its readiness to host another world-class event.
“The 2025 H H The Amir Sword International Equestrian Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the International Equestrian Championships – Qatar 2025 series, building on the exceptional success of the past three editions,” the Vice-Chairman of the Organising Committee and QEF President Badr bin Mohammed Al Darwish told a press conference at Al Shaqab yesterday.
He added that the Festival, held at the international level for the second consecutive year, plays a vital role in advancing Qatari equestrianism.
“It helps develop and enhance the performance of Qatari riders, enriches their experience and provides them with the opportunity to compete against the world’s best,” he said.
Doha International Tour Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin described the Festival as a benchmark of Qatar’s sporting excellence.
“It is a unique event in the Middle East and Asia, reflecting Qatar’s leadership in equestrian sport and reinforcing its status as an exceptional sporting destination,” he said.
Tournament’s Sports Director Nasser Al Hajri also spoke as he unveiled the number of riders and horses taking part in the event besides other details.
The Organising Committee has also arranged a dedicated public area featuring entertainment, food stalls, cafes, shops and activities for all age groups. Accompanying events at the Longines Arena’s outdoor space will showcase Qatari hospitality and heritage, with contributions from local businesses, artists and service providers.
For visitors, the venue offers children’s games, a visual arts section and a dedicated Riders’ Corner overlooking the competition. Tickets are available via Q-Tickets, with general admission starting at QR50 for adults and QR25 for children (free for those under 7). Hospitality packages and VIP tickets, offering premium seating and valet parking, are also available.
The competition kicks off today with nine contests, including five one-star and three-star events (up to 145cm), two CSI five-star rounds (145-150cm) and dressage competitions featuring local riders and the St. George classification. The much-anticipated H H The Amir Sword – CSI5* 1.60m (Against the Clock with Jump Off) showdown will take place on Saturday.
Today's SCHEDULE
Outdoor Arena
10:00 CSI3* 1.35m
2 Phases Special
13:30 CSI3* 1.45m
Against The Clock No Jump Off
16:30 CSI5* 1.45m
2 Phases Special
18:20 Lighting Show
19:00 CSI5* 1.50m
Against The Clock No Jump Off
Indoor Arena
09:00 CSI1* 1.10m
2 Phases Special
12:50 CSI1* 1.20m
Against the clock No Jump off
15:30 CSN 0.60m
Optimum Time
17:45 CDI1*
Prix St. George
19:30 National
Preliminary Free Style
