Sheikha Moza Opens HH The Father Amir Prix 2026 in Doha

Doha, Qatar: The opening day of the HH The Father Amir Prix 2026 commenced with a significant presence as Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, attended the inaugural tour at Al Shaqab. The event marks the beginning of a prestigious equestrian competition that features international and regional riders competing across various classes.

Tour 1 of the event comprises CSI1, CSI2, and CSI4* categories, boasting a prize fund of €538,000. Over the course of the entire four-tour series, the prize money reaches a remarkable total of €3,303,000. For this initial tour, a total of 248 riders and 524 horses are participating, showcasing the depth of talent and competition.

The event is organized in collaboration with the Qatar Equestrian Federation, the Qatar Olympic Committee, and various partners, including Qatar Airways as the Official Airline Partner and United Development Company (UDC) as the Complementary Partner. Other notable partners include the Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Group as the Transport Partner and Al Kass Sports Channels as the Broadcast Partner.

Competition Highlights from Day One

The opening day featured a series of competitions held in both the Indoor and Outdoor Arenas. Riders engaged in CSI1*, CSI2*, and CSI4* classes, with challenges designed to highlight technical skills and competitive pacing. The schedule included CSI4* competitions at heights of 140 cm and 145 cm, alongside CSI2* and CSI1* classes.

Day 1 proved to be a thrilling start to the competition, with key results showcasing outstanding performances. In the CSI4* 1.45m (Faults & Time) category, the winner was Abdullah Alsharbatly from Saudi Arabia riding Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior, achieving a flawless round with a time of 57.93 seconds. In the CSI4* 1.40m (Two Phases), Janne F. Meyer-Zimmermann from Germany took the win aboard My Lady Lavista, completing the phases with zero penalties.

Other notable winners included Emanuele Gaudiano from Italy, who triumphed in the CSI2* 1.40m (Two Phases) class with Diarouge Blue PS, and a tie in the CSI2* 1.25m (Faults & Time) category, where both Ibrahim Hani Bisharat from Jordan and Yassin Khalifa from Egypt finished with zero faults.

“It was a good day for us. My Lady Lavista jumped very well, and we’re delighted to open Tour 1 with a win,” stated Janne F. Meyer-Zimmermann after her victory.

Official Opening Ceremony and Future Events

The official opening ceremony commenced at 17:30, welcoming riders, teams, officials, partners, and spectators to Al Shaqab for the grand opening weekend. The ceremony featured artistic performances themed “Where Nations Gather,” along with a captivating drone and light show, and various equestrian-themed activities.

Throughout the event, a fan zone will be available around the Longines Arena, providing entertainment facilities, cafés, and retail outlets. Local service providers and artists will present outdoor activations, reflecting the rich Qatari hospitality and cultural heritage. General admission tickets are priced at QAR 50 per day, with complimentary access for children under 12.

Looking ahead, competition will continue on January 3, 2026, with a full schedule of classes across both arenas. The excitement of the HH The Father Amir Prix is set to captivate audiences as riders aim for glory in the upcoming events.