A milestone in the show calendar: Qatar Equestrian Tour 2026 with total prize money of 10 million euros
For some time now, the ultra-modern equestrian sports center Al Shaqab in Doha (Qatar) has been considered “the” venue par excellence by the international equestrian sports elite. This is where professional riders prepare their horses for the outdoor season in Europe and the rest of the world in the first few months of the year. The shows are perfectly organized, and the conditions, from the climate to the footing and the highly professional organization, are highly praised by all participants. The medical environment for riders and horses is second to none worldwide. Now the organizing committee of Qatar International Tours has announced that the Qatar Equestrian Tour 2026 will further strengthen the reputation of the State of Qatar as a host of major sporting events: The Tour will begin on January 1, 2026 and will run until April 4, 2026. The total prize money amounts to 10 million euros, making it one of the highest in the region.
The Qatar Equestrian Tour 2026 shall comprise a whopping 10 international events starting with H.H. The Father Amir Equestrian Tour which will see 4 new five-star championships to be held over a duration of over four weeks.
This will be followed by:
• H.H. The Amir’s Sword International Equestrian Festival
• CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines
• Longines Global Champions Tour
• Doha International Equestrian Tour
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bader bin Mohammed Al Darwish, President of the Qatar Equestrian Federation, and Vice-Chairman of the Organizing Committee for International Equestrian Tours – Qatar 2025, said, “The events (in the new Qatar Equestrian Tour 2026) will make the global equestrian calendar full of competitions that will further enhance the status of the State of Qatar as a sports capital and an ideal destination to host the largest and most important international equestrian tournaments, and a meeting place for the exchange of different cultures for horse lovers and equestrian.
“The advanced infrastructure enjoyed by the State of Qatar with its modern sports fields and facilities designed to international standards, represents a strong support for Qatar International Equestrian and contributes to its continuous success. We believe that our sports facilities, where the season’s competitions are held, will be the focus of the world’s attention, and will contribute to accelerating and enhancing the growth of equestrian sports at the regional and global levels.
“The great sporting legacy left by our successful hosting of a number of major international tournaments is the cornerstone of what we aspire to achieve in the future. These major tournaments do not only enhance Qatar’s position as a major supporter of sports, but also contribute to strengthening our national economy by attracting sports tourism and increasing investments in the sports sector.
“We aspire to be the world’s premier destination for equestrian sports, and to continue to provide a role model in hosting major sporting events, especially in the field of equestrianism, and to benefit from their positive impact on various sectors in the State of Qatar.
“These tours will be a new milestone in our journey towards achieving our strategic goals, which include developing sports sectors sustainably and strengthening international partnerships, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030,” he stressed, and added, “The new season will start next January and continue until April 2026, forming a series of international equestrian tours to raise the level in the region, and will be held in one place and organized by an Arab country. This achievement would not have been possible without the great experience gained by our teams and organizing committees over the past decades.”
Mr. Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin, Event Director of Qatar Equestrian Tour 2026, explained the different events that shall constitute for the grand new Tour.
• HH The Father Amir Equestrian Tour: To be held from January 1 to January 31, 2026, consisting of 4 international showjumping tours with a five-star classification.
• H.H. The Amir’s Sword International Equestrian Festival: To be held from February 12 to February 14, and includes showjumping and dressage competitions.
• CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines: To be held from February 19 to 21 and includes showjumping, dressage and para dressage.
• Longines Global Champions Tour: March 5-7
• Doha International Equestrian Tour: March 12-April 4, with a total of two four-star championships and one five-star championship
Mr. Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin, said, “Through these championships, Qatar aspires to be the cradle of equestrianism in the world and the region. It has all the elements that make it the focus of attention for all athletes and participants. It is distinguished by its state-of-the-art sports facilities providing for an ideal environment for riders from all over the world. Al Shaqab is one of the most prominent sports landmarks in Qatar, and embodies our vision of providing an exceptional sports experience. It also represents the advanced infrastructure that the State of Qatar possesses, and is an integral part of our efforts to enhance the position of the State of Qatar on the global sports scene.”
He added: “The advanced position that Qatar holds in global safety and security indices is a clear testament to the expertise and skills of our teams. In line with this commitment, and in our keenness to provide the best experience for participating riders and sports delegations, the issue of safety remains a priority for us and our security teams”.
“In addition, there is a wide range of accommodation options that suit everyone and we have a modern and advanced transportation network that facilitates movement between different regions of the country smoothly and easily. All these factors combined make the Qatar International Equestrian Tour 2026 a unique sporting event, enhancing Qatar’s position as the capital of equestrianism and sports, and providing a unique experience for participants and visitors alike.”
Press Release: Susanne Strübel