Emirates Jumping Cup and Longines League of Nations begins in Abu Dhabi

The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation and International Equestrian Federation (FEI) announced the start of second edition of The Emirates Jumping Cup (CSIO5*) from Wednesday to February 15 February, held in conjunction with the opening leg of the third season of the Longines League of Nations 2026.

The event brings together the world’s top ten ranked teams alongside the UAE national team and welcomes a total of 203 riders with 313 horses representing 37 nations over the five days. Both competitions are taking place at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club under the supervision of the FEI, with the support of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and title sponsorship from Longines.

The Longines League of Nations will feature the UAE alongside ten leading nations: the United States, Belgium, Ireland, Germany, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland and Brazil.

Abu Dhabi marks the first stop in the qualification pathway, where eight teams will progress toward the Final. Subsequent qualifiers will take place in Ocala, USA (18-22 March), Rotterdam, Netherlands (18-21 June), and Saint-Tropez, France (17-20 September), culminating in the Final at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain from 1-4 October 2026.

The announcement was made during a press conference held this morning at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi, attended by Sultan AlYehyaei, Board Member of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation and President of the Show Jumping Committee; Saeed Khalifa Al Muhairi, Director of Community Sports at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Aine Power, Executive Director of Sport and Games at the FEI; Anthony Lowry, Equestrian Director at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club; and Abdullah Al Naqbi, Director of Support Services and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation.

The Organising Committee confirmed the commencement of veterinary inspections for five-star horses arriving from Europe, the GCC and within the UAE. The schedule includes CSI2* opening classes, a warm-up class for CSIO5* horses and the official Chefs d’Equipe meeting for Longines League of Nations teams to review regulations and timings.

Competition begins on Thursday with two CSI2* classes at 09:00, followed by the first CSIO5* class at 15:30 and the Longines Grand Prix qualifier at 19:00.

Friday’s programme continues with CSI2* competition at 09:45, followed by a CSIO5* class at 14:30. Teams will enter the arena for a unique parade at 18:00 ahead of the Longines League of Nations first round at 18:30, with the top eight teams returning at 21:00 for the decisive second round.

Saturday features Children and Junior classes alongside the remaining CSI2* competitions including the CSI2* Longines Grand Prix, while Sunday concludes with further youth classes and two CSIO5* competitions, culminating in The Emirates Jumping Cup presented by Longines from 16:00.

Sultan Khalifa Al Yehyai emphasised that The Emirates Jumping Cup and the Longines League of Nations represent a prominent milestone in global equestrian sport, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading international sporting destination.

“These championships reflect the UAE’s continued cooperation with the FEI and confirm our commitment to hosting major global sporting events,” he said. “They also play an important role in enhancing the competitive capabilities of Emirati riders through direct engagement with the world’s elite athletes, further reinforcing the development we are witnessing in our equestrian sport.”

Saeed Al Mehairi highlighted Abu Dhabi’s leadership in hosting major international sporting events, commenting, “The Emirates Jumping Cup and the Longines League of Nations underline Abu Dhabi’s ability to organise world-class competitions and attract leading riders from across the globe, in accordance with the highest organisational and technical standards. Abu Dhabi Sports Council is proud to work in partnership with all stakeholders to deliver an exceptional edition that reflects the stature of this prestigious event.”

Aine Power expressed her satisfaction with the preparations at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, adding, “The Longines League of Nations is now in its third season, and we are pleased to return to Abu Dhabi for the third time. The facilities at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club provide an outstanding platform for both athletes and horses, and we look forward to an exciting opening leg of the 2026 series.”

Anthony Lowry reaffirmed the venue’s readiness to host the championships, stating “Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club is fully prepared to welcome the riders and horses under the best possible conditions. The sand arena, recognised as the world’s first hybrid indoor and outdoor surface, provides a unique and advanced competition environment. We are committed to delivering the highest standards.”

The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation confirmed its commitment to providing all necessary facilities and organisational support to ensure the success of both championships in line with international standards.