Qatar’s horse racing continues to evolve and the 2025-26 season reflects just how committed the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) is to innovation and excellence. With 70 meetings scheduled across the Al Rayyan and Al Uqda racecourses, the new season starting next month not only grows in volume but also in quality and ambition.
At the heart of the recently-announced calendar is the H H The Amir Sword Festival, the crown jewel of Qatari racing. It’s already one of the most prestigious events in the Middle East, but this season, it takes an unprecedented leap forward. For the first time, the festival in February next year will be staged over four consecutive days, a format that sets a new benchmark in the region. The event will combine dirt and turf racing, offering 32 races in total – a showcase of top-quality competition featuring both local and international contenders.
The final day of the festival will host its traditional highlights – The Amir Trophy for Thoroughbreds and The Amir Sword for Purebred Arabians – races that are not only rich in prestige but also in prize money. New additions such as the Qatar International Thoroughbred Handicap Cup, Middle Distance Cup and Sand Sprint Cup will expand opportunities and attract a broader range of horses, owners and trainers. These enhancements are a clear indication that Qatar is committed to raising the standard every year.
But it’s not just the major race days that are evolving. This season introduces something entirely new — the races for Purebred Arabian show horses. The initiative acknowledges the country’s global leadership in Arabian horse breeding.
It also offers a new racing avenue for these horses, blending two traditionally separate equestrian worlds into one progressive platform.
Nine such races are set for the new season – eight at Al Rayyan and one at Al Uqda – integrated into regular race meetings. Carefully planned conditions and prioritisation rules ensure fair opportunities for eligible runners while maintaining the competitive quality of the races.
Beyond expanding racing opportunities, the QREC continues its focus on developing local talent, providing platforms for Qatari jockeys to train and perform at elite levels. This long-term investment in people matches the investment being made in the sport’s infrastructure and calendar.
Every new season in Qatar brings something better. With the extended H H The Amir Sword Festival, the addition of new race types and a stronger calendar, the 2025-26 season is set to raise the bar once again.
