Al Shaqab Confirms Fourth Arabian Horse Show Dates
Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, will host the fourth edition of the Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show at its outdoor arena in Doha from 4 to 7 November 2026, backed by the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) and held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of Al Shaqab's Board of Directors.
The Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show is classified as a Category B Show under the European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO), a status that allows horses competing at the November event to qualify for shows of a higher classification. Registration for the fourth edition opened on 20 September 2026 and remains open until 1 October 2026.
Third Edition Set The Benchmark
The fourth edition follows a third edition that concluded on 8 November 2025 at Al Shaqab's Longines Outdoor Arena, a four-day event that organisers described as a resounding success. That edition crowned champions across three age divisions: in the yearling division, Shihanah KL and Dandon KL, both representing Kaheel Stud, took the filly and colt titles; in the junior division, Shaella Al Wajba (Al Wajba Stud) won the fillies' championship, while Yulib Al Shahania, owned by Sheikha Eman bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, took the colts'; and in the senior division, Thorya Al Hawajer (Al Thamer Stud) was crowned champion mare and Wajeeh Aljassimya (Aljassimya Stud) champion stallion. The 2025 edition also ran Foal Classes for fillies and colts for a second consecutive year, and awarded QAR100,000 (US$27,000) to gold-medal champions, QAR70,000 (US$19,000) for silver and QAR50,000 (US$14,000) for bronze.
"Al Shaqab's commitment goes beyond competition — it is about preserving the heritage of the Arabian horse and elevating it globally," Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, CEO of Al Shaqab, said of last year's edition.
ECAHO Status Raises The Stakes
That ECAHO recognition gives the Doha leg a competitive incentive beyond the show itself, since horses that perform well can carry that result toward entry at higher-tier international shows. Khalid Al Jehani, Championship Director and Head of Al Shaqab's Breeding and Show Department, said the fourth edition reflects Al Shaqab's continued commitment to preserving the heritage of the purebred Arabian horse and strengthening its position on the international stage.
"The strong presence of participants from different countries around the world reflects the prestigious status the championship has achieved within a relatively short period of time," Al Jehani said.
Al Jehani added that the show has become a fixture on the international Arabian horse calendar, pointing to the standard of organisation and the level of competition among participating studs as evidence of that standing, and said the fourth edition is intended to build on previous years and extend the championship's international reputation further.
Registration Window Runs To October
Beyond the competitive element, organisers describe the show as a meeting point for owners, breeders and enthusiasts drawn together by a shared interest in the purebred Arabian horse, offering a chance to mark the breed's distinguishing characteristics and its long-standing cultural association with the region. The event sits within Al Shaqab's wider mission to preserve and promote the purebred Arabian horse's legacy while building Qatar's profile within the international equestrian community.
With registration open until 1 October 2026, attention now turns to which studs and riders commit to the Doha leg, and whether the fourth edition can match the scale of participation seen at the third edition in 2025. Al Shaqab's outdoor arena will again become the focal point for owners and breeders testing their horses against other purebred Arabians competing internationally, with the show's ECAHO Category B status ensuring the results carry weight beyond Qatar's borders.