Al Shira’aa, the Abu Dhabi-based equestrian organisation dedicated to developing future generations of riders, has announced a landmark five-year partnership with GRANDPRIX Events that will see it become Title Partner of the prestigious Chantilly Classic (CSI4*) from 2026. The agreement also extends Al Shira’aa’s presence in France, with the organisation serving as Official Partner of the Sotheby’s International Realty CSIO Deauville.

The multi-year partnership, announced on 3rd November 2025, marks a significant expansion of Al Shira’aa’s European footprint, adding two flagship events on the French calendar to a portfolio that already includes Hamburg and Hickstead. HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Founder of Al Shira’aa, will serve as Honorary President of the Chantilly Classic.

Supporting Legacy Shows and Youth Development

Speaking about the partnership, HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised her commitment to accessibility in the sport.

“My mission to bring our beloved sport to the people remains steadfast. By supporting legacy shows, grassroots competition and youth development pathways, we can help to create an accessible and equitable playing field for showjumping globally,” she said. “Partnering with Chantilly and Deauville allows us to contribute to events that celebrate both sporting excellence and we are proud to play a role in ensuring their continued success for years to come.”

Preserving Historic Competitions

Vincent Goehrs, President of GRANDPRIX Events, which organises both competitions, welcomed the partnership as a natural alignment of values.

“Collaborating with Al Shira’aa, a global symbol of excellence and generosity in equestrian sport, is both an honour and a source of pride,” said Goehrs. “Together, we share the same ambition: to preserve the legacy of historic shows at the heart of equestrian territories, while opening them to a new generation of riders and audiences.”

Two Jewels of French Showjumping

The Chantilly Classic transforms the iconic Hippodrome de Chantilly each summer, just steps from the historic town centre and the magnificent Château de Chantilly, into a stage for sport and elegance. The event has grown significantly since its creation in the 2000s, with Olympic course designer Grégory Bodo returning in 2025 to craft courses that meet world-class standards.

Meanwhile, the CSIO 3* of Deauville brings the Normandy coast to life with its Nations Cup and unique atmosphere, cementing its place as an unmissable highlight of the European showjumping calendar.

Opportunities for Emirati Riders

The partnership extends beyond sponsorship, creating pathways for emerging talent from the United Arab Emirates. Emirati riders supported by Al Shira’aa will have the opportunity to compete at both Deauville and Chantilly, whilst the UAE National Team will participate in the Nations Cup at Deauville.

This initiative aligns with Al Shira’aa’s broader mission to develop showjumping in the UAE whilst contributing to the sport’s growth on the international stage.

About Al Shira’aa

Founded in Abu Dhabi by HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Al Shira’aa Stables has established itself as an international benchmark of excellence in equestrian sports development. The organisation is dedicated to rider training, top-level horse breeding, and competition, whilst placing equine welfare at the heart of its mission.

Al Shira’aa is a proud partner of prestigious events worldwide and actively contributes to the growth and global influence of high-level equestrian sport, with facilities in both the UAE and the UK.

About GRANDPRIX Events

GRANDPRIX Events specialises in organising prestigious international competitions across France and Europe. With over fifteen years of experience, the company runs events including the Longines Deauville Classic, Cabourg Classic, Chantilly Classic presented by Al Shira’aa, Sotheby’s International Realty CSIO Deauville, Le Touquet Classic, and the Vilamoura Classic in Portugal.

The GRANDPRIX group also encompasses leading equestrian media outlets and broadcasts more than 350 events annually through GRANDPRIX.tv in collaboration with ClipMyHorse.TV.

By joining forces over the long term, GRANDPRIX Events and Al Shira’aa reaffirm their shared commitment to the longevity of historic competitions and the promotion of equestrian sport on the international stage.

Al Shira’aa, the Abu Dhabi-based equestrian organisation dedicated to developing future generations of riders, has announced a landmark partnership that will see it become Title Partner of the prestigious Chantilly Classic from 2026. The agreement also extends Al Shira’aa’s presence in France, with the organisation serving as Official Partner of the CSIO3* at Deauville.

The multi-year partnership marks a significant expansion of Al Shira’aa’s European footprint, adding two historic French competitions to a portfolio that already includes Hamburg and Hickstead. HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Founder of Al Shira’aa, will serve as Honorary President of the Chantilly Classic.

Supporting Legacy Shows and Youth Development

Speaking about the partnership, HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised her commitment to accessibility in the sport.

“My mission to bring our beloved sport to the people remains steadfast. By supporting legacy shows, grassroots competition and youth development pathways, we can help to create an accessible and equitable playing field for showjumping globally,” she said. “Partnering with Chantilly and Deauville allows us to contribute to events that celebrate both sporting excellence and we are proud to play a role in ensuring their continued success for years to come.”

Preserving Historic Competitions

Vincent Goehrs, President of GRANDPRIX Events, which organises both competitions, welcomed the partnership as a natural alignment of values.

“Collaborating with Al Shira’aa, a global symbol of excellence and generosity in equestrian sport, is both an honour and a source of pride,” said Goehrs. “Together, we share the same ambition: to preserve the legacy of historic shows at the heart of equestrian territories, while opening them to a new generation of riders and audiences.”

Two Jewels of French Showjumping

The Chantilly Classic transforms the iconic Hippodrome de Chantilly each summer, just steps from the historic town centre and the magnificent Château de Chantilly, into a stage for sport and elegance. The event has grown significantly since its creation in the 2000s, with Olympic course designer Grégory Bodo returning in 2025 to craft courses that meet world-class standards.

Meanwhile, the CSIO 3* of Deauville brings the Normandy coast to life with its Nations Cup and unique atmosphere, cementing its place as an unmissable highlight of the European showjumping calendar.

Opportunities for Emirati Riders

The partnership extends beyond sponsorship, creating pathways for emerging talent from the United Arab Emirates. Emirati riders supported by Al Shira’aa will have the opportunity to compete at both Deauville and Chantilly, whilst the UAE National Team will participate in the Nations Cup at Deauville.

This initiative aligns with Al Shira’aa’s broader mission to develop showjumping in the UAE whilst contributing to the sport’s growth on the international stage.

About Al Shira’aa

Founded in Abu Dhabi by HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Al Shira’aa Stables has established itself as an international benchmark of excellence in equestrian sports development. The organisation is dedicated to rider training, top-level horse breeding, and competition, whilst placing equine welfare at the heart of its mission.

Al Shira’aa is a proud partner of prestigious events worldwide and actively contributes to the growth and global influence of high-level equestrian sport, with facilities in both the UAE and the UK.

About GRANDPRIX Events

GRANDPRIX Events specialises in organising prestigious international competitions across France and Europe. With over fifteen years of experience, the company runs events including the Longines Deauville Classic, Cabourg Classic, Chantilly Classic presented by Al Shira’aa, Sotheby’s International Realty CSIO Deauville, Le Touquet Classic, and the Vilamoura Classic in Portugal.

The GRANDPRIX group also encompasses leading equestrian media outlets and broadcasts more than 350 events annually through GRANDPRIX.tv in collaboration with ClipMyHorse.TV.

By joining forces over the long term, GRANDPRIX Events and Al Shira’aa reaffirm their shared commitment to the longevity of historic competitions and the promotion of equestrian sport on the international stage.