UAE’s rider Omar clinches FEI Rising Star Award in Abu Dhabi

     UAE rider Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi has won the Longines FEI Rising Star Award at a star-studded ceremony held on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday evening. 

The 21-year-old local jumping star accepted his award alongside recipients of the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award, the Cavalor FEI Best Groom Award, and the FEI Inspire Award.

Omar’s journey in equestrian sport began at age seven at his father’s stables at the Albahiya Equestrian Club. From his debut in national competitions at nine to his first international event at 12-years of age, Omar’s commitment to the sport was clear from the start. 

In 2018, as a 15-year-old representing the UAE at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires (ARG), Omar achieved a historic milestone by winning the nation’s first medal in Jumping with an individual silver. This accomplishment fuelled his ambition to reach the Olympic Games. He continued to excel, capturing both an individual silver and a team bronze at the Asian Games in Hangzhou (CHN) in 2023. His dedication and hard work ultimately led to his selection for the UAE team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

Adding a distinctive French connection to his 2024 achievements, Omar not only competed at the Olympic Games in Paris this summer, but has also completed his final year at the Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi. He made his mark at the Olympic Games as the youngest equestrian competitor, advancing to the Individual Final and finishing among the Top 20 in his Olympic debut.

“I feel so proud to win the Longines FEI Rising Star award, especially as it is the first time someone from UAE has received it,” said Omar.

''I had an exceptional experience in Paris. I participated in the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, which was memorable, but Paris was completely different. I was competing with riders I have looked up to for years.

“I got my horse Enjoy de la Mure just 10 months before Paris which was not ideal. However, I developed a strong bond with him. He is an exceptional horse and jumps so incredibly well, and he was in great form heading into the Olympic Games in Paris.

“He has already experienced one Olympics, which is an amazing achievement, and he still has much to offer – the future is bright for him. I hope we can compete together at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and I will be there every step of the way to help make that dream a reality.” 

Patrick Aoun, Longines Brand Manager for Middle-East & South East Asia, who had the honour of presenting Omar with a trophy and an elegant timepiece said, "At Longines, we are honoured to support the rising stars of equestrian sport, whose dedication and passion inspire the next generation of athletes. 

“Omar embodies the spirit of excellence we celebrate with the FEI Rising Star Award, and we look forward to watching his journey as he continues to represent both his country and the sport with such distinction.”

Since 2009, the FEI Awards have celebrated individuals and organisations advancing equestrian sport, both on and off the field. This year’s impressive line-up included 16 nominees across four categories, representing nine nations. These distinguished contenders ranged from Olympic and world champions to emerging talents, dedicated grooms, legendary figures, inspiring volunteers, and trailblazing federations.

The Awards Ceremony concluded a significant week of meetings for the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) in the UAE’s capital. The annual FEI General Assembly brought delegates from affiliated National Federations worldwide to discuss the governance and development of the equestrian disciplines under the FEI's jurisdiction: Jumping, Dressage, Para Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Para Driving, Vaulting, and Endurance.

The Emirate is a familiar host to equestrian events, having recently held the first leg of the inaugural Longines League of Nations at Al Forsan in February 2024. This global series, featuring ten teams competing across four qualifiers on three continents, will return to Abu Dhabi to launch the new season in February 2025. 

Individual Jumping gold medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Christian Kukuk (GER), in attendance on Wednesday, was also honoured with the Peden Bloodstock Best Athlete Award. Kukuk, with his horse Mumbai, was instrumental in Germany’s triumph at the Abu Dhabi leg of the Longines League of Nations in February. He was later part of the German team that won the inaugural Final with his horse Checker 47 in Barcelona (ESP) this October.

The Butheeb International Endurance Village (BIEV) was also host to the FEI Endurance World Championship 2022.