In 2004, Al Shalan made his official debut in the international scene, when he reached the final of the King Abdulaziz Cup and Saudi Arabian Equestrian Championships. He achieved early successes by winning individual gold medals at the 2005 Islamic Games, and finishing second at the 2006 World Cup Arab League. Al Shalan also became the youngest ever competitor at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, riding on the "Uthago" in the individual and team events.