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Al Shaqab, based in Doha, Qatar, stands as an enduring tribute to the Arabian horse and the tradition of equestrian excellence that has co-evolved with this breed in Qatar. Their mission as a global equine leader is to passionately be committed setting the highest standards in horse welfare, equine education, breeding, research and developing, integrating and optimizing the utilization of assets and human capital towards making it a self-sustainable entity and engaging the cherished community in Doha.

Arabian horses are a very popular breed of horse for many equestrians and many people ride Arabian horses for show, pleasure and competition. The breed known as the oldest breed a the first domesticated breed of horse as they are

“The strong vision of Al Shaqab is to be the leading equine center of excellence.” Al Shaqab also believes to do this by the being passionately committed to preserving Qatar's heritage by promoting the Arabian horse. Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre was established by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir in 1992 with a powerful vision and passion to preserve the Arabian horse in Qatar. In honor of his ancestors Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Al Shaqab was located in the battle site known as AL SHAQAB, where Bedouins had fought a battle that led to Qatar's independence over a century ago - which was the reason for the name Al Shaqab.

Today, the facility is still running, and responsible for breeding three World Champion stallions, Gazal Al Shaqab, Al Adeed Al Shaqab and Marwan Al Shaqab (Pictured Above). Al Shaqab became a member of Qatar Foundation in 2004 to promote the highest standards in the breeding and showing of Arabian horses. They are now based on three guiding principles - Heritage, Education and Excellence.

over 5,000 years old. They were originally bred in the Middle East and the Arabian horse was the horse of Bedouin people of Arabia as early as 3000 to 2500 BC. The Bedouins bred them and used them as war horses. The reason for this was because they could travel far distanced in harsh desert condition - due to their endurance and large lung capacity. The horses were later introduced into Europe and throughout the world. An interesting fact is all Arabian horses have black skin underneath their coats. The black skin would help protect the horses from the hot sun when they lived in the desert. For centuries the Bedouin treated their horses as members of the family. Plan a trip to visit Al Shaqab and meet the beautiful Arabian horses, known for intelligence, courage, loyalty Long before Qatar was known as one of the worlds fastest growing economies, the country was known for Arabian horses. The Arabian horse was part of the Al Thani ancestors’ (the ruling family of Qatar) daily lives.

Arabian horses even played a large role in the founding of Qatar. Such as when Bedouin tribesmen and their prized Arabian horses defeated a battle with the Ottomans that led eventually to Qatar’s independence. Qatar is officially known as the State of Qatar is located in the Middle East and is a small peninsula located on the northern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Qatar is the richest country in the world per capita and has the worlds third largest natural gas reserves and oil reserves despite its small size. It is a very safe country to visit as it is a country where a natural disaster is least likely to strike due to its location. Another reason Qatar is well known for is for being the safest place in the Middle East and one of the safest countries in the world. Qatar ranked 7th in the world which made it the only country outside Europe to be placed in the top 20 safest countries whose safety index factors in risk crime, natural disasters, terrorism and war. Al Shaqab Equestrian Arena now offers several tours, such as, school tours, government agencies tours, private and international institutions tours, press tours as well as public tours. Well, there you go. Now that you know so much information about the equestrian center and the countries history of Arabian horses, it would definitely be worth it plan a visit to Al Shaqab if you ever come to Qatar. It is more than just an equestrian center, it is a place for all types of people, including families, elderly and horse riders, to have a good time.