Doha - The Qatar Foundation announced yesterday that Al Shaqab is the new permanent name of the Al Shaqab Stud and Riding Academy, an Education City project.
Qatar Foundation also unveiled the new logo for Al Shaqab and the vision behind it.
The Al Shaqab rebranding reflects the wide scope of work the organisation will undertake when it moves into the new international equine venue, currently under construction at the Education City.
Qatar Foundation has planned a spectacular facility for Al Shaqab, which will position it as the region's number one equestrian centre, and a global leader in the field, said a press release issued yesterday.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Al Shaqab said: "Al Shaqab touches on all aspects of Qatar Foundation's vision. It will be both an educational resource and a community facility and will be of interest to breeders, equine researchers and the visiting public. It will play a vital role in the vision for Education City by showcasing and preserving a key aspect of Qatari heritage."
The new Al Shaqab logo, designed by Fitch-Qatar, portrays three horses which represent the three Arabian stallions bred by Al Shaqab; Marwan Al Shaqab, Gazal Al Shaqab and Al Adeed Al Shaqab.
Majdoleen Till, Director of Fitch-Qatar, explained the design concept:
"Al Shaqab represented to us a showcase of distinction based around three ideals; excellence, education and preservation. The swoosh graphic represents the mane of the horse and also its agility, strength and movement."
Al Shaqab's new premises will include a visitor's centre and a museum dedicated to the Arabian horse. This reflects the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani's vision to preserve the Arabian breed and to showcase its heritage, said the release.
It will also include an international competition arena, multiple air-conditioned indoor arenas, technologically advanced veterinary hospital, state-of-the-art equine sports therapy facility, endurance training area, as well as an all new riding academy and world class breeding and show complex.
© The Peninsula 2007
