HISTORY

Horsemanship, or furusiyya, is a centuries-old tradition in the Arab world, where the relationship between man and horse is unrivalled in human history.  

Tales of the heroic feats of the tribes of Arabia and their glorious horses echo across the ages, and the name Al Shaqab is derived from one such historic battle.  At this special site the Qataris and their Arabian horses prevailed against the Turks at the beginning of World War I.  Consequently, the Emir, His Highness  Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, named his farm to commemorate this pivotal event in Qatari history.    

Throughout his life, His Highness the Emir has been passionate in his devotion to the Arabian horse, a symbol of nobility and beauty not only in Arab culture, but throughout the world.   In 1992, he established Al Shaqab Stud and began gathering premier bloodstock from the finest sources.  Shortly thereafter, Al Shaqab began garnering international championships in shows and endurance with its acclaimed group of Arabian horses.  Today, Al Shaqab is one of the leading breeding establishments in the world and remains the only farm to have bred three World Champion stallions, all born in Qatar. 

In 2004, Al Shaqab became a member of the Qatar Foundation and began a visionary expansion to achieve its mission of creating a world class equestrian facility and promoting excellence in all equine activities. 

To read more about the Arabian horses of Al Shaqab Click here