Founded in 1992 by Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, Al Shaqab joined QF in 2004.
By preserving and showcasing Arabian horses, which are symbols of Qatari culture, Al Shaqab promotes understanding and appreciation of Qatar’s traditions on a global stage.
The CHI Al Shaqab event, for example, attracts equestrian athletes and audiences from over 30 countries every year (Horse Show Jumping TV, 2023).
Centuries before natural gas and petroleum gave prominence to Qatar as one of the world's fastest growing economies,[2] the country was known for its prized Arabian horses.
By maintaining breeding programs and hosting events focused on these horses, Al Shaqab makes sure that their importance continues to attract attention locally and globally.
He represents the pinnacle of Al Shaqab’s breeding excellence and has contributed significantly to the global reputation of Arabian horses.
[citation needed] In 2008, the Al Shaqab team finished second out of the 24 competing countries to earn the silver medal in the competition.
Since its launch in 2013, the event has welcomed participants from over 30 countries to promote cultural exchange and collaboration (Horse Show Jumping TV, 2023).
The event features Olympic disciplines, including show jumping, dressage, and para-dressage, which unite athletes and spectators from diverse backgrounds.
These programs teach participants about the care, breeding, and training of Arabian horses, which emphasize their historical and cultural significance in Qatar.
For example, workshops include hands-on demonstrations of traditional horse grooming techniques, which reflect centuries-old Qatari customs (Adelman & Thompson, 2017).
Al Shaqab collaborates with organizations like the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) to promote equine welfare and cultural understanding.
For instance, joint efforts with FEI focus on improving horse welfare standards, which is a shared goal across different cultures (Rogers et al., 2023).
These collaborations also feature the Arabian horse as a global symbol of excellence and cultural heritage, which bridges gaps between nations and cultivating mutual respect.