The Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA) announced the kick off of its seventh edition of the International Show Jumping Cup this week, which will commence on Feb. 20 and will run until Feb. 22.

The annual cup, which aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a global leader in sports, is open to the public and targets all community members.

The cup is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and under the guidance of Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and the President of the Abu Dhabi and the Al Ain ladies clubs.  

The announcement of the cup’s details was made during a press conference, held on Monday, which included Amal Abdul Qadir Al Afifi, board member at FBMA; Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Major General Dr Ahmed Naser Al Raisi, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation; Ms Souad Al Suwaidi, Head of Research at Ministry of State; Khalid Al Junaibi, event organizer; and Hesham Al Hosani, Equestrian Manager.

The cup will be taking place at Al Forsan International Sports Resort in the Abu Dhabi, welcoming more than 120 riders from the 26 countries, where the contestants will compete for the trophy.

The seventh edition of the FBMA International Show Jumping Cup will be open to the public from 10am to 8pm. The annual cup aims to empower women and drive engagement in various sports activities, including equestrian activities.

 Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “We are delighted to be hosting the seventh FBMA International Show Jumping Cup and we look forward to welcoming talents from all over the world, along with engaging community members in a family-friendly event that supports women empowerment.”

Qadir Al Afifi expressed her deep appreciation to Her Highness Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak, “Mother of the UAE”, for her continuous support to Emirati women saying: “The championship continues to consolidate its position throughout the years as one of the most important sports events. We are also looking at the importance of the UAE and the Middle East as a leading platform for equestrian sports, that does not only include categories for women but also for male and young riders,” she said.

Awani also expressed his sincere appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak and Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazaa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for their role and generous support to the plans for advancing women’s accessibility to sports and encouraging them to take the highest positions in international events.

“Since its inception, the FBMA International Show Jumping Cup has had great success in attracting riders from all over the world, due to the great efforts and the crucial role played by Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy for Women’s Sports and its keen organization of this tournament.”

“The high number of international participation of the riders emphasizes the importance of the event in Abu Dhabi’s sports agenda, highlighting the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a distinguished sports destination hosting the world’s largest sporting events, in addition to supporting women’s participation in the UAE across various sports,” Awani added.