Doha, Qatar, 4 August 2026 – Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global foundation for education and development, participated as the official beneficiary of the 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, bringing together sport, philanthropy and collective action to expand education and economic opportunities for vulnerable and marginalised children and young people worldwide.
EAA Foundation’s participation extended across the Goodwood Summit, the Markel Magnolia Cup and the Regency Ball. At the Summit, Mr Ali Turki Al Sobai, Chief Operations Officer of EAA Foundation, delivered opening remarks highlighting education as a foundation for resilience, economic participation and long-term prosperity.
EAA Foundation also facilitated the roundtable discussion, “Pathways to Economic Opportunity, Higher Education and Collaboration,” which brought together representatives from government, academia, finance, business and international development. The session, led by James Shaw-Hamilton, examined practical pathways from education and skills to employment and entrepreneurship; access to education and skills development for women and girls, including in lower-income and conflict-affected contexts; higher education and research collaboration; the alignment of STEM and health education with future economic priorities; talent mobility; and innovative financing approaches capable of scaling educational impact.
Mr Ali Turki Al Sobai, Chief Operations Officer of Education Above All Foundation, said: “Sport has a unique ability to unite people, challenge barriers and inspire collective action. Through our collaboration with Goodwood and the Markel Magnolia Cup, we are transforming that shared energy into meaningful educational opportunities for children and young people affected by poverty, conflict and displacement. We invite partners and supporters to join us in investing in education as the foundation of resilient communities and sustainable prosperity.”
The Markel Magnolia Cup brought together 12 amateur female jockeys from diverse professional and personal backgrounds. The annual race celebrated women’s determination, achievement and leadership while raising funds to support EAA Foundation’s work to remove barriers to education and help young people develop the skills and opportunities needed to build sustainable futures.
Fundraising continued during the Regency Ball at Goodwood House, where guests and partners supported EAA’s global education programmes through a charitable raffle and other contributions. Prizes included luxury hotel stays in truly iconic locations around the world, courtesy of Katara Hospitality and Maybourne.
The 2026 collaboration built on EAA Foundation’s previous engagement with Goodwood since 2023 and demonstrated how sport, philanthropy and cross-sector cooperation can contribute to lasting educational impact.