Top riders gear up for intense competition at Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Festival

Amir Naqvi, Sports Editor

As the golden dunes of Seih Al Salam prepare to whisper tales of speed and spirit, Dubai is set to host His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival.

A five-day odyssey of spirit and stamina attracting top endurance riders will kick off on Tuesday and continue until Saturday, casting a spotlight on the emirate as the jewel in crown of equestrian world.

The 19th edition of the festival will be held under the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The endurance festival stands as a magnificent tribute to Sheikh Mohammed —a World Endurance Champion whose steadfast support has been the driving force behind the growth and elevation of endurance riding.

Sheikh Mohammed won the FEI World Endurance Championship in 2012.

The festival serves as a magnificent reflection of the UAE’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of equestrian sports and its dedication to hosting world-class sporting events that set global benchmarks.

Organized by the Dubai Equestrian Club, the festival will commence on Tuesday, with the 120 km His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Ladies, sponsored by Azizi Developments.

The following day, the spotlight will shift to the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Private Stables, a challenging 120 km race that further elevates the excitement of this world-class spectacle.

The competition will also feature a dedicated initiative aimed at supporting Emirati breeders, underscoring the festival’s commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering the growth of the equestrian community within the UAE.

The 120 km Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, will take place on Thursday.

The grand finale will unfold on Saturday with the 160 km His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline, marking the culmination of the event.

Emirati rider Saif Al Mazrouei will return to the festival with one goal in mind: to defend the remarkable double he achieved 12 months ago.

Riding for MRM Stables, Mazrouei made history last year by securing both the Gamilati Cup for Mares, aboard Bullio Ahnu, and the prestigious 160 km Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup with Magic Glenn Torque.

Sheikh Rashed Bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Dubai Equestrian Club, said the festival has continued to evolve and strengthen its global standing thanks to the unwavering support of Sheikh Mohammed reflecting his vision of establishing the emirate as a leading global destination for endurance riding.

Ahmed Rashed Mohammed Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, said preparations have been completed at the Dubai International Endurance City to welcome riders from around the world. He noted that the festival represents a key fixture on the international endurance calendar and that DIEC provides a highly competitive environment for athletes, while offering an engaging experience for spectators and guests.

Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations (Centre), said: “We are proud to sponsor the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, a landmark event on the global equestrian calendar that reflects his vision to advance endurance riding and elevate the sport’s international standing. This sponsorship is a natural extension of our long-standing commitment to supporting heritage sports that are deeply rooted in our identity and values.

“The event also reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for world-class equestrian competitions, bringing together elite riders and horses from around the world.”

Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Developments and Azizi Group, said: “We are proud to once again be part of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, one of the most prestigious fixtures in the global endurance calendar. Equestrianism is deeply embedded in the UAE’s culture and heritage, and Dubai continues to exemplify world-class hospitality and leadership in hosting events of this scale”

Mona Hasan Sadoun, Vice President Customer Experience and Marketing, Al Tayer Motors, said: “We are honoured to be part of this iconic festival, reaffirming our commitment to the UAE’s equestrian community and local sporting events.