The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has issued a travel advisory for the Middle East, although two final Doha Equestrian Tour events featuring FEI classes will go ahead.
“In view of the current regional security situation, participants are strongly encouraged to consult their national authorities for the latest travel advice and guidance before making any arrangements to travel to the Middle East, or to neighbouring countries that may be directly or indirectly affected by the ongoing conflict,” said the FEI in a press release on Tuesday. “Participants should also closely monitor updates issued by embassies and other official governmental channels, as the situation may evolve rapidly.
“Any decision to travel is taken at the participant’s own risk. The FEI continues to liaise closely with the relevant National Federations and authorities to monitor developments and assess any potential impact on FEI Events. Depending on the specific circumstances, and following a thorough assessment, the FEI may allow FEI events to take place in the region on a case-by-case basis.
“The safety and welfare of Athletes, Officials, Support Personnel and Horses remains the FEI’s highest priority. Participants should be assured that any decision taken on an individual basis to not travel or to withdraw from participation for security reasons, in line with governmental advice, will not result in any consequences from the FEI.”
Doha Equestrian Tour to hold closing events without public attendance
The Longines Arena at Al Shaqab will go ahead with the Al Shaqab Cup from 25 to 28 March 2026 and the Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup from 2 to 4 April 2026, as the Doha Equestrian Tour moves into the closing phase of the season. Both events will take place without public attendance.
Inaugurated in 2025, the Doha Equestrian Tour (DET) is a premium international show jumping series hosted at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, one of the world’s leading equestrian venues.
The DET announced the resumption of competition in a press release on Tuesday, stating that the remaining events will offer important competitive opportunities for riders from Qatar, the wider region, and abroad while shaping the closing phase of the 2026 season.
“The Al Shaqab Cup and Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup have been planned with clear priorities in mind,” says Mohammed Jaber Al Khayareen, Event Director of Doha Equestrian Tour. “Both events will take place without public attendance, in a controlled environment and in line with national guidelines, with the welfare of the horses and the safety of everyone on site remaining at the centre of operations.
“At the same time, these competitions remain important sporting moments in the season, with key qualifying opportunities, international participation and the championship race continuing through the Tour’s closing stages. We are pleased to move forward responsibly while maintaining the significance of this phase of the Doha Equestrian Tour.”
The Shaqab Cup will feature CSI1*, CSI3* and CSI5* classes, with 203 riders and 466 horses competing for a total prize fund of €766,000, while the Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup will include CSI1*, CSIO3* and CSI4* classes and welcome 203 riders and 466 horses, with total prize money of €784,000.
The Al Shaqab Cup will include the FEI Group VII qualifier, offering an important qualifying opportunity for riders from across the region, as well as the Nations Cup team contest that adds an international head-to-head dimension to the programme. The Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup will then host the FEI Group VII Final qualifier and the Six Bar class.
