The inaugural H H The Father Amir’s Prix commenced today at the iconic Al Shaqab Longines Arena, bringing together the world’s leading show jumpers for a month-long celebration of elite equestrian sport and marking the official opening of the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026.
The prestigious season-opening championship carries a total prize purse exceeding €3.3 million and will be staged across four Tours throughout January. The opening Tour runs from January 2 to 4, followed by competitions from January 8–10, January 22–24, and a grand finale from January 29–31.
More than 240 male and female riders from 32 countries are competing, alongside 93 Qatari riders, highlighting Qatar’s growing depth of talent in international equestrian sport. The event also features approximately 500 horses, flown in from leading equestrian nations around the world.
Among the prominent international names set to compete are Belgium’s Abdelkader Said, winner of the 2025 LGCT Super Grand Prix, Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt, and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, all vying for top honours across the Tours.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the opening day, Deputy Event Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin said the championship provides a fitting launch to the Doha Equestrian Tour, which features 10 international championships running until April 4, with a combined prize purse exceeding €10 million.
“The H H The Father Amir’s Prix has been rated among the world’s top equestrian competitions,” Al Khayarin said. “Extensive preparations have been made to deliver the event in an exceptional manner, in accordance with the highest organisational and technical standards, reflecting Qatar’s established reputation for hosting major international sporting events.”
He added that hosting the competition at Al Shaqab—widely regarded as one of the world’s premier equestrian venues—reinforces Qatar’s commitment to providing a world-class competitive environment for riders and an outstanding experience for spectators.
Sporting Director Salemain Al Suwaidi noted that the 2026 season will be one of the most competitive yet. “We are entering an exceptional year with 10 championships to be contested among elite combinations of riders and horses,” he said.
Alejandro Ancin Berdegue, CEO of In2Strides, confirmed that the courses were designed in collaboration with internationally recognised experts to enhance competitiveness and showcase riding excellence. “The addition of H H The Father Amir’s Prix will further strengthen the sport and contribute to the development of Qatari riders,” he said.
The opening ceremony, scheduled for 5:30pm, features artistic performances, equestrian-themed activations, and a large-scale drone and light show. According to Director of Marketing and Communications Abdullah Al Qashouti, tickets are available via the Road to Qatar platform, with general admission priced at QR50 per day, alongside premium and VIP hospitality packages.
Competition action began at 9:00am with CSI 2 (125cm)* and CSI 1 (120cm)* classes, while the opening day’s highlight event, the CSI 4 (145cm)* competition, is scheduled to start at 7:15pm.
As the first chapter of the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 unfolds, H H The Father Amir’s Prix positions Doha firmly at the forefront of the global equestrian calendar, reinforcing Qatar’s status as a leading hub for elite international sport.
