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The UAE is set to host a prestigious lineup of equestrian events throughout February, headlined by the 27th edition of the President’s Endurance Cup at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba this Sunday. According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the event will feature both individual and team categories over a challenging 160-kilometer course, attracting elite riders from across the region.
The President’s Endurance Cup represents one of the most significant equestrian competitions scheduled for February in the UAE. The race will showcase top-level endurance riding skills as competitors navigate the demanding distance in one of the sport’s most celebrated annual events.
Golden Cup Highlights Racing Calendar
Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Golden Cup is scheduled for next Saturday at the Abu Dhabi Racecourse, featuring world-class horses competing for a substantial prize purse. The event comprises seven races combining both Arabian and Thoroughbred horses, with the main race offering a prize fund of one million US dollars, according to the announcement.
This high-stakes competition attracts international attention and demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to promoting excellence in horse racing. The substantial financial rewards reflect the event’s importance within the global equestrian community.
Show Jumping Takes Center Stage
The Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation will organize the second edition of the UAE Show Jumping Cup from February 11 to 15. Additionally, Abu Dhabi will simultaneously host the first round of the third edition of the Longines Nations League 2026, bringing together elite international teams.
According to reports, eleven international teams will participate in the competition, including the UAE national team that secured a silver medal last year. The event operates under the supervision of the International Equestrian Federation and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, as part of four editions the UAE has won the right to organize through 2027.
Sharjah Hosts Major Competitions
The Sharjah Ruler’s Cup for show jumping, rated at five-star level, will run from February 19 to 22 with participation from prominent male and female riders. In contrast to the endurance and racing events, this competition focuses on technical jumping skills and precision.
Furthermore, the Sharjah Equestrian Club will host the 26th edition of the Sharjah Show Jumping Championship, featuring various categories to accommodate different skill levels. These events underscore Sharjah’s growing role as a major equestrian destination within the UAE.
Multiple Venues Support Equestrian Events Throughout February
Various racecourses across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai will continue hosting numerous races for Arabian and Thoroughbred horses until the end of February. The packed schedule demonstrates the depth of the UAE’s equestrian infrastructure and its capacity to manage multiple high-level competitions simultaneously.
However, the calendar also includes ongoing trial races designed to prepare horses and riders for future competitions. These preparatory events play a crucial role in maintaining competitive standards throughout the season.
The concentration of major equestrian events in February positions the UAE as a premier destination for international horse sports and reinforces the country’s long-standing cultural connection to equestrianism. The diverse range of disciplines—from endurance riding to show jumping and flat racing—attracts varied audiences and participants from around the world.
The successful organization of these events continues to build the UAE’s reputation in the global equestrian community. As February progresses, attention will focus on the outcomes of these competitions and their implications for international rankings and qualifying positions for future championships.
