World-class show jumping returned to Doha as elite riders and horses took centre stage at one of the sport’s most prestigious venues.
HH The Father Amir Prix 2026 officially got underway at Al Shaqab as Tour 1 of the four-leg championship opened the equestrian season in Qatar, bringing together top international and regional riders for three days of high-level competition.
The opening day, on Friday, was attended by Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, alongside Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, the Chairperson of Qatar Museums.
Organised as part of the Doha Equestrian Tour, the Tour 1 features CSI1*, CSI2* and CSI4* competitions across the Indoor and Outdoor Arenas, with a prize fund of €538,000.
Across the full four-tour series, total prize money amounts to €3.303 million, with Tours 1 and 2 welcoming 248 riders competing alongside 524 horses, reflecting the Tour’s growing international appeal.
Competition on the opening day delivered a strong technical start, with riders contesting classes throughout the day across multiple heights and categories. CSI4* events at 140cm and 145cm ran alongside CSI2* classes at 1 40cm and CSI1* competitions at 120cm, showcasing both elite-level performance and the continued development of regional talent within the FEI framework.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly made a notable impact, claiming victory in the CSI4* 1.45m class aboard Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior with a time of 57.93 seconds, while Germany’s Janne F. Meyer-Zimmermann secured first place in the CSI4* 1.40m class on My Lady Lavista, stopping the clock at 27.41 seconds.
Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano topped the CSI2* 1.40m class on Diarouge Blue PS in 30.19 seconds, while Jordan’s Ibrahim Hani Bisharat and Egypt’s Yassin Khalifa shared first place in the CSI2* 1.25m class with identical times of 60.70 seconds.
Further victories saw Alsharbatly claim another win in the CSI2* 1.30m class on Dr Scarpo, while Saudi Arabia’s Hasan Alhadi triumphed in the CSI1* 1.10m class aboard DSP Cessy. Egypt’s Youssef Nassar added to the day’s highlights with a win in the CSI1* 1.20m class on Orestes van het Tolhuis.
Reflecting on her win, Janne F. Meyer-Zimmermann said it was a positive opening to the Tour, praising her horse’s performance and expressing satisfaction at starting the competition with a victory.
Emanuele Gaudiano also described the day as a strong beginning, noting his horse’s focus and rhythm, while Alsharbatly highlighted a smooth and confident round as an encouraging foundation for the rest of the Tour.
Beyond the competition arenas, the atmosphere at Al Shaqab was enhanced by a vibrant fan zone surrounding the Longines Arena, offering entertainment, cafés, retail outlets and outdoor activations led by local businesses and artists, reflecting Qatari hospitality and cultural heritage.
The opening ceremony set an impressive tone for the championship, featuring a live musical performance by Dana Al Meer alongside striking light and drone displays that illuminated the sky above Al Shaqab with equestrian-inspired visuals.
Action continues on Saturday with a full programme of CSI1*, CSI2* and CSI4* classes across both arenas. As the first of four tours, the Father Amir Prix sets the tone for the season, with Tours 2, 3 and 4 set to include FEI Group VII qualifiers, supporting riders on their pathway to higher levels of international competition and reinforcing Doha’s status as a global equestrian hub.
