When the final races were run and the last jump cleared, the true measure of Qatar’s equestrian week was obvious. The H H The Amir Sword Festival and the Amir’s Sword showjumping and dressage event did not just bring the sport’s best to Doha, they turned the country into a focal point for elite equestrian competition.
For four days, Al Rayyan Racecourse and Al Shaqab hosted a high-quality, tightly contested programme that felt less like a festival and more like a showcase of the sport at its most competitive.
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani crowned the winners of the major contests, adding further prestige and colour to the racing and riding extravaganza.
The 48th H H The Amir Sword Festival marked a historic moment, not only for its four-day format but also for the quality of the field. Thirty-two races unfolded across sand and turf, drawing the best Purebred Arabians and Thoroughbreds from around the world.
The presence of elite entries elevated the event beyond a national celebration into a truly international festival of racing.
The promise of major prizes and prestigious titles was matched by performances that lived up to the hype. Al Ghadeer was in the spotlight, chasing history and the Doha Triple Crown, but fell short as Lippo De Carrere captured the H H The Amir Sword. Meanwhile, top horses from France, Japan, Ireland and beyond lined up for the most coveted prizes.
The festival’s ability to attract such talent spoke volumes about Qatar’s reputation as a global sporting destination.
Meanwhile, at Al Shaqab, the Amir’s Sword showjumping and dressage week brought the equestrian world to Doha in a different form of spectacle. With 283 riders and 599 horses from more than 30 countries, the event felt like a grand reunion of the sport’s elite.
The headline Grand Prix, with a €1.5m prize pool, ensured fierce competition, while the inclusion of World Cup qualifiers and youth events reinforced Qatar’s long-term commitment to developing talent. The presence of top-ranked riders and a strong international roster underscored the event’s standing as a premier stop on the global calendar.
Beyond the excitement of the competitions, both events reflected Qatar’s broader strategic vision. The celebrations coincided with the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s 50th anniversary and aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030’s emphasis on sport, culture and international engagement.
By hosting world-class equestrian events, Qatar not only showcased its facilities but also its ability to unite tradition with modern ambition.
