The value of Arabian horses

The Arabian horse is the oldest thoroughbred horse breed in the world, with its roots in the Arabian Peninsula. Its main characteristics are a high neck, a head with an elongated nose and a tail that is always held high. In addition to being highly valued for its beauty, it also stands out for its intelligence, speed, docility and endurance, which makes it an ideal species for dressage and for which it is highly valued on the international market.

The thing makes Arabian horses special is that they keep the same bloodline and don’t mix their genes with other breeds. The breeding of these animals is an art carefully preserved by owners, breeders, trainers and craftsmen. For thousands of years, these equine breeds lived alongside the nomadic Bedouins, surviving in the harsh desert conditions, evolved to develop great lung capacity and incredible endurance.

The World Arabian Horse Championships, a prestigious global showcase of Arabian equine excellence, will be held for the first-time outside France in 2023.  From 7th to 9th December at Doha Old Port, it brought together more than 100 purebred Arabian horses from over 25 countries, along with around 2000 passionate horse owners, breeders and equestrian professionals. The organisers announced its return to Qatar in December 2025, to highlight the beauty of this select species.

These horses are judged on their special and elegant trot, their form, the grace of their movements and their relationship with their handlers. Clearly the country not only pays tribute to its horses, but also encourages future equestrian champions, always highlighting the values of loyalty, love for horses and pride in their Qatari heritage.  

In honour of his ancestor, Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Father Emir located the Arabian horse breeding farm at the landmark Al Shaqab, where almost a century earlier, in 1893, Bedouins had fought a pivotal battle that led to Qatar’s independence. Arabian horses played a significant role in the battle and were an integral part of the local culture, so the preservation of these animals and their heritage is paramount.  Al Shaqab

Qatar’s ultramodern equestrian centre established in 1992 by His Highness Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Than to harness the country’s Arabian horse heritage, as well as help preserve and perpetuate the breed. Al Shaqab is more than 980,000 sqm in size, with a state-of-the-art Main Arena holding more than 5000 spectators. It stands out for its unique horseshoe-shaped architectural design, demonstrates its ability to host major international sporting events at the highest level and is renowned throughout the world as Qatar’s most iconic equestrian destination.

Home to more than 700 Arabian horses, it has become a multi-dimensional equestrian centre. In addition to breeding horses, it educates children in the art and values of horsemanship, and trains riders and horses for long-distance endurance racing.

It has world-class facilities such as indoor and outdoor arenas, riding arenas, air-conditioned stables, an equine veterinary and a training centre equipped with the latest technologies, including high-endurance treadmills, massage areas and hydrotherapy pools.

From 29 February to 2 March, the Global Champions League will be held for the sixth consecutive year and will inaugurate the 2024 season of the Longines Global Champions Tour to welcome the top international horses and riders from around the world.

The VIP Hospitality Lounge offers riders and spectators a wide selection of local and international gastronomic specialities with fresh ingredients that pay homage to the individual cultures of our destinations, in addition to its sophisticated selection of fine wines and champagne in a glamorous setting that allows lovers of equine performance, sport and entertainment to enjoy an unforgettable weekend.