As Al Shaqab, Qatar’s eminent equestrian centre gears up to host the imminent ‘CHI Al Shaqab’ — one of the most prestigious events on the international equestrian calendar, excitement and activity are building up in another area — the Al Shaqab Volunteer hub. A good portion of the large workforce required for an event of this magnitude is met through the volunteer program, that has gained reputation as the most popular volunteer base in the country.



TEAM SPIRIT: The core team of Friends of Al Shaqab.

Termed Friends of Al Shaqab, the program which has a database of 3000 affiliates covering a wide spectrum of nationalities, professions and age groups, was established in 2011. It has gained such momentum that it is attracts people from overseas who sign up as volunteers, requesting opportunities to help out during prestigious events.  
Even as the organisers are preparing behind the scenes for Qatar’s much acclaimed equestrian event, Community spoke to Fatin al-Sada, the brain behind the volunteer program on its popularity and success; Al Sada serves as the Head of Human Resources, Al Shaqab and is also the Manager of the Friends of Al Shaqab Program.

Tell us something about the Al Shaqab Volunteer Program.
Friends of Al Shaqab was created to support local, regional and international activities of Al Shaqab, in keeping with the spirit of the mission and vision of Qatar Foundation (QF). The services of this program, has been extended to other entities of QF as well, to ensure events are provided with the right manpower resources, especially the need for volunteers. Al Shaqab plays an important role in Community Development in Qatar and I consider it our privilege to be able to share in the experience and successes of these events.
Our Volunteer Program provides trained volunteers as we conduct job and venue specific orientation prior to the event. We are flexible and accommodate the busy schedule of our volunteers as we believe that even a few hours of volunteer work makes an incredible difference.
 
Friends of Al Shaqab is your brainchild; what inspired the idea?
I was exposed to the world of volunteerism while studying abroad and it quickly became a personal passion. Working on this idea helped me cultivate a wide-range of professional work experience, especially as I networked with several companies in Qatar, while serving as the Workforce Manager during the Arab Games in 2011.
Following this success, I acquired the desire to develop an in-house program to support Al Shaqab and other organisations that might require volunteering support in a professional way. The basic idea is to ‘give back to the community, for the love of Qatar’.
The target population of our well-structured Volunteer Program works from inside-out. Our approach starts with Al Shaqab staff and their families, Education City students, Qatar Foundation staff and their families, and the entire Qatar Community.

Your program attracts international volunteers — tell us about it.
Our Volunteer Program has gained popularity beyond the boundaries of Qatar. We often have people who are willing to fly in from countries like Australia, US and the UK, just to volunteer for our Al Shaqab events. They are willing to offer anything that may be of assistance at their own cost. They are those generous people who chance upon our Volunteer’s page on the Al Shaqab website, or learn about it through social media or even by word-of-mouth.

To what do you contribute its success?
We actively promote our program to all organisations, companies, schools and other communities in Qatar to attract more volunteers to register and help us in supporting the various events in Qatar especially those hosted by Al Shaqab.
My team works hard in the strategic planning for volunteering, engaging new and existing volunteers effectively, supporting their development, and recognising their contribution. Similarly, the incredible generosity, patronage, commitment and service of our valuable volunteers, has helped us take the Al Shaqab Volunteer Program to a different level.

What are some of the high-profile events when the Friends of Al Shaqab are normally called to help?
We have provided volunteers and supported in the success of various prestigious equine-related events such as the CHI Al Shaqab, Longines Global Champions Tour, & Champion of Champions — not to mention regular, local Al Shaqab events. We assist with several Qatar Foundation events including the National Sport Day and Qatar National Day. Other major events such as the Al Bawasil Camp of Qatar Diabetes Association, the recently concluded ‘Color Run – Qatar’, The Happiest 5K on Earth and the Ooredoo Marathon are all events that we helped with. Following our remarkable success and good standing, Friends of Al Shaqab is often approached by other entities for support, during major events.
One of our most important events is the upcoming CHI Al Shaqab an annual international equine competition, where the world’s top riders compete for the most coveted title of all time. This year, it is scheduled for March 2-5.

Which age group has been most effective as volunteers?
All age groups are an asset; each one is unique, with their own capabilities and expertise. All of them can contribute and make a difference to the community.

Tell us about your talent pool.
Our Volunteer Database is also our Talent-Bank where the skills, abilities and hobbies of volunteers are available. We have skilled horse riders and competitors, veterinarians, doctors, engineers, sports and health and fitness related professionals, IT professionals, administrators as well as individuals from the media.
We even welcome non-working people — housewives or individuals who are here visiting their family.

What experience or benefit does the volunteer obtain? How are they motivated?
While most of the events supported by Al Shaqab do not carry monetary rewards, volunteers will receive intangible benefits in terms of relevant learning experience, meeting new people and mingling with professionals. A certificate of appreciation and official letter with number of hours rendered during volunteering (on request) are also provided in acknowledgement. Registered volunteers are included in our pool of volunteers and will receive up-to-date information on wonderful volunteering opportunities with Al Shaqab and its partner organisations. In addition, they get the opportunity to meet famous personalities and international dignitaries; for instance last year, Italian fashion designer Valentino was at Al Shaqab. Our volunteers are usually excited to come back and participate in future events.
What do you consider to be the greatest achievement of this volunteer Program?
It is a fulfilling experience when the organisers come to us to express their gratitude for helping them organise a seamless event; they look forward to working with us again. We are now becoming the most requested volunteer-provider in Qatar, through the successful events we have supported.
Similarly, many volunteers come back thanking us for providing them with the opportunity to be involved in exciting events; they speak of a wonderful experience. Amabel Vargas, one of our most helpful volunteers, quoted in her ‘success stories’ that it was important for her to find ways of ‘sharing’; she says her involvement with us has helped her recognise the need to give back to the community.
 
What is your vision for the future of this program?
My vision for the program is to build a healthy community, enriched by volunteers of diverse nationalities, age-groups and professional backgrounds who believe in their capacity to make a difference through volunteerism and ultimately learn to give back to the community — for the love of Qatar.

Anything else you would like to add?
We would like to thank all our volunteers and organisers for working with us and helping us promote our Volunteer Program.
I would like to add that we are still actively recruiting for volunteers aged 17 and above to assist us in various areas of the venue for the upcoming CHI Al Shaqab 2016. Interested individuals, may send an email to alshaqabvolunteer@qf.org.qa
Our program details are also available on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alshaqabofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlShaqab
Instagram: https://instagram.com/al_shaqab