Doha: In a move that has become a familiar association with HH The Amir Sword Festival, the partnership between Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) and QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has been renewed.

In addition to its role as title sponsor of the HH The Amir Sword Festival for the third consecutive year, QNB will also sponsor the HH The Amir Silver Sword race, which will be part of the most coveted horse racing festival in Qatar and the region. . Purebred Arabian stars will face off with the Silver Sword as their target.

Commenting on the successful renewal of the partnership, Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Chairman of QREC, said: “The existing cooperation between QREC and QNB Group is a true embodiment of the partnership, which contributes to the success of such major events held in Qatar. . . We have been cooperating with QNB for years and our relationship has extended beyond Festival sponsorship.”

“We are therefore delighted to continue this collaboration and to benefit from the mutual commitment of both organizations to maximize the success and reputation of His Highness the Amir’s Festival around the world, especially with the riders and international relations that are heading to Doha to aim for the titles of the iconic event. In addition, this year’s edition is taking place under different circumstances than the world experienced last year. Our experiences demonstrate that we have overcome all the challenges and previous adverse effects,” Al Mohannadi said.

“I would like to thank the QNB Group for their continued support of the QREC and the Festival, and their desire to be the title sponsor for the third consecutive year and also to sponsor the Silver Sword of His Highness the Amir. Their attitude is much appreciated and reflects QNB Group’s pioneering role in supporting our long-established sport,” added Al Mohannadi.

Salem Al Naimi, Deputy Managing Director, QNB Public Relations, said, “QNB Group has established a special, long-standing partnership with QREC. Over the years we have supported QREC events, crowned by His Highness the Amir’s Sword Festival, which QNB is keen to sponsor as title sponsor each year.

“At QNB, we regularly provide our sponsorship and support to various sporting events, especially those that are cultural in nature and celebrate our authentic Qatari heritage and traditions. As we all know, 2022 is a special year from a sporting perspective, especially as we are about to host a global sporting event, which will draw the world’s attention to our sporting achievements and our culture in all sporting disciplines. I wish success to all who will participate in His Highness the Amir’s Sword Festival, which we are all honored to be a part of,” Al Nuaimi added.

Speaking to the media at the signing of the agreement yesterday, Al Mohannadi highlighted the recent extension of Qatar’s association with the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris and Goodwood in the UK. “One of our strategies has been to be the brand ambassador of the country itself, which is why we have entered into an agreement for the sponsorship of major races such as the Qatar of the Arc de Triomphe and Goodwood in the UK.

“The Arc is one of the biggest races in the world and our partnership was renewed a few weeks ago for five years of which we are proud. This partnership with the Arc will continue in the years to come,” he said.

At the upcoming HH The Amir Sword Festival (February 17-19), Al Mohannadi said this year’s event will be bigger and grander with international participation and activities. “We are happy to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic which has restricted attendance. But this year we have 15 international horses participating in this year’s HH Amir Sword Festival. We have the participation of European countries and GCC nations in the races.

“The event itself will be different in terms of quality and size. We welcome the activities that we used to have earlier. We have special shows and traditional horse racing shows. Also, we have chosen some of the local designers as part of the festival,” he informed.