Long before the discovery of “black gold” or oil in Qatar, horses formed an important part of the nation’s economy and livelihood. The Al Shaqab stables are dedicated to the breeding and preservation of these fine animals as an important part of Qatar’s cultural heritage. Make a visit to the stable park of your stay at a stylish hotel Doha located in the centre of the city, and the Kingsgate Hotel Doha is one example of a luxury Doha Qatar hotel to host your stay in the region. Qatar’s reliance on horses date back more than three centuries, when the ancestors of the current Al Thani ruling family emerged out of the harsh desert landscape, wherein horses were an important component of their daily lives. The equine presence in the state rose to prominence during the battle of Al Shaqab, which saw the defeat of the Ottoman Empire and the liberation of Qatar, made possible due to the heavy presence of the horses as part of their offensive line, which tipped the scales of battle in the Qataris’ favour. The stable’s name honours that important chapter from the country’s history, and Al Shaqab is now the leading equine breeding and education centre in the region.