Qatar set to host opening round of Global Champions Tour 2025 at Al Shaqab
Mohammad Amin
DOHA: The Organizing Committee of the International Equestrian Championships – Qatar 2025 has announced details for the opening round of the Longines World Show Jumping Champions Tour and the World Champions League 2025.
The prestigious event will take place at Al Shaqab’s Longines Arena, utilizing both its outdoor and indoor facilities. Kicking off tomorrow, Wednesday, February 26, the competition will run for four days, featuring over 271 riders from 35 countries and more than 411 horses, with total prize money exceeding €1.1 million.
The announcement was made during a press conference held today at Al Shaqab, attended by Mohammed Jaber Al Khayareen, Tournament Director; Marco Daniz, Sports Director of the Longines World Tours; and Jan Tops, President of the Longines Global Champions Tour.
Qatar’s Key Role in Global Show Jumping
Al Khayareen emphasized that hosting the Longines World Show Jumping Champions Tour in Qatar underscores the country’s strong presence in the global equestrian community. Having joined the tour in 2008, Qatar continues to solidify its status as a premier destination for equestrian sports.
“The inaugural round of this prestigious global series is a landmark event on the international equestrian calendar and reaffirms Al Shaqab’s reputation as a world-class venue,” Al Khayareen stated. “Our collaboration with Longines reflects our unwavering commitment to providing an optimal environment for riders and horses, ensuring that show jumping is showcased at its highest level.”
In addition to this tournament, Al Shaqab will also host other major equestrian events, including:
- The Al Shaqab International Equestrian Championship 2025, sponsored by Longines
- The Sword Festival – His Highness the Emir’s Equestrian Championship 2025
Competition Schedule and Categories
The championship features a total of 29 rounds across four days, with events taking place on both indoor and outdoor arenas at Al Shaqab.
Day 1: Wednesday
- 7 rounds
- Categories: Two-star, Three-star (up to 145 cm), Five-star (140 cm), Juniors (135 cm), Future Riders
Day 2: Thursday
- 7 rounds
- Categories: Three-star, Five-star (up to 160 cm), Two-star (110–125 cm), Future Riders
Day 3: Friday
- 8 rounds
- Categories: One-star, Three-star, Five-star (115–150 cm), Juniors (135 cm), Future Riders
Final Day: Saturday
- Competitions begin at 3:30 p.m.
- Five-star categories: 145 cm & 160 cm
- Grand Finale at 8:00 p.m. – A special round of distinction
A Global Tour Kicking Off in Qatar
As the season-opening event of the Longines World Show Jumping Champions Tour, Al Shaqab also hosts the Champions League for Teams, marking the start of an international circuit that spans 16 rounds in 14 countries. The tour boasts a total prize pool of €36 million, distributed across events held in 16 destinations worldwide.
With the world’s top riders and horses set to compete, the Longines World Show Jumping Champions Tour 2025 promises an unforgettable showcase of elite equestrian sport in Qatar.
