World’s top endurance riders set for Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Festival 2026 in Dubai
Four major rides scheduled across five days at Seih Al Salam
DUBAI is preparing to welcome the world’s leading endurance riders as the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival 2026 gets underway on 6 January at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam.
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 festival is recognised as one of the most prestigious fixtures on the international endurance calendar. The event continues to reinforce Dubai’s standing as a global hub for elite equestrian sport, attracting top riders, horses and stables from across the world.
Staged in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, a World Endurance Champion, the festival reflects his long-standing commitment to the growth and development of endurance riding at both regional and international levels. Since its inception, the championship has become a benchmark for excellence, competitive standards and organisational expertise in the sport.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival
Now in its 19th edition, the festival will feature four major endurance competitions spread across five days, drawing participation from elite riders representing leading endurance nations. Organised by Dubai Equestrian Club, the event has steadily evolved into a flagship championship that highlights the UAE’s capabilities in delivering world-class sporting events to the highest international standards.
The competition will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Dubai International Endurance City, a purpose-built venue designed to meet the demands of top-level endurance racing. The facility offers advanced veterinary infrastructure, carefully prepared tracks and a spectator-friendly environment that supports both competitive integrity and audience engagement.
Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Dubai Equestrian Club, said the festival’s continued growth and international reputation reflect the unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He noted that the championship aligns with His Highness’s vision of positioning Dubai as a leading global destination for endurance riding.
Opening rides
The festival opens on Tuesday, 6 January, with the 120 km His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Ladies, sponsored by Azizi Developments. The race traditionally attracts some of the strongest female endurance riders from the region and beyond, setting the tone for the days that follow.
On Wednesday, 7 January, attention will turn to the 120 km His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Private Stables. The event includes a dedicated incentive aimed at supporting Emirati breeders, underlining the festival’s role in nurturing local participation while maintaining its international appeal.
The programme continues on Thursday, 8 January, with the 120 km Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, sponsored by Al Tayer Motors. Reserved exclusively for mares, the race has become a key highlight of the festival, showcasing the depth and quality of endurance breeding programmes competing in Dubai.
Flagship finale
The festival will conclude on Saturday, 10 January, with the 160 km His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline. As the longest and most demanding race of the championship, the endurance cup is regarded as the festival’s centrepiece and regularly draws the highest calibre of riders and horses.
Ahmed Rashed Mohammed Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, said preparations at Dubai International Endurance City have been completed to welcome competitors from around the world. He described the festival as a cornerstone of the international endurance calendar, adding that the venue provides a highly competitive environment for athletes while delivering an engaging experience for spectators and guests.
Al Kaabi added that Dubai Equestrian Club continues to play a central role in advancing endurance riding globally, with the festival reflecting the UAE’s leadership in organising competitions that meet the sport’s highest standards.
Sponsor support
Major international and regional sponsors once again play a prominent role in the 2026 edition, reinforcing the festival’s status and global reach. Emirates Airline returns as title sponsor of the 160 km endurance cup, continuing its long-standing association with the championship.
Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Centre, said the airline is proud to sponsor a landmark event that reflects His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s vision for advancing endurance riding and strengthening its international profile. He said the partnership aligns with Emirates’ commitment to supporting heritage sports that reflect discipline, excellence and the UAE’s cultural values.
Azizi Developments is sponsoring the Ladies Endurance Ride for the ninth consecutive year. Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Developments and Azizi Group, said the company’s continued involvement reflects its commitment to initiatives that celebrate excellence, unite communities and support events deeply rooted in the UAE’s heritage.
Al Tayer Motors and Defender will sponsor the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares for the 15th time. The sponsors will award vehicles, including Defenders, as prizes to the winners, continuing a tradition that adds further prestige to the race. Mona Hasan Sadoun, Vice President Customer Experience and Marketing at Al Tayer Motors, said the partnership reflects the company’s support for the UAE’s equestrian community and sporting heritage.
Recent champions
The 2025 edition of the festival delivered standout performances from leading stables. MRM Stables claimed both the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup and the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, with Saif Al Mazrouei securing victories aboard Magic Glenn Torque and Bullio Ahnu.
The Ladies Cup was won by Seeh Al Salam Endurance Stables after Zamzam Hamad Al Hosani claimed victory riding Dorzok. In the Private Stables competition, Al Awasif Stables took the title, with Ali Mohammed Al Blooshi winning the race aboard Sandine Raptor.
As Dubai prepares to host the 2026 edition, organisers expect another highly competitive championship that brings together elite riders, world-class horses and international stables at one of endurance riding’s most respected venues.