Dubai: Dubai is set to host the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival 2026 at Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) in Seih Al Salam, with the competition set to begin on 6th January. Held under the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the festival will bring together the world’s leading endurance riders, placing Dubai at the centre of the global endurance calendar.
According to Emirates News Agency, one of the most prestigious competitions in the sport, the festival is held in honour of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, a World Endurance Champion whose long-standing support has played a central role in the development of equestrian sport. The festival reflects the UAE’s commitment to the development of equestrian sport and the delivery of world-class sporting events, while further reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for endurance riding.
Since its inception, the festival has a
ttracted elite riders and leading endurance stables from around the world. The 19th edition gets underway 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 Ladies ride is the first of four events on the festival programme and will be followed the next day by the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Private Stables over 120 km. The competition includes a dedicated incentive to support Emirati breeders.
The 120 km Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, will take place on Thursday, 8 January, following the Private Stables competition. The festival concludes on Saturday, 10th January with the 160 km His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline.
Over the years, the festival has played a significant role in raising competitive standards while showcasing the UAE’s advanced organisational capabilities in ho
sting major equestrian championships to the highest international standards. Organisers Dubai Equestrian Club are now preparing to launch the 2026 edition. 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 unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reflecting his vision of establishing Dubai 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 state-of-the-art 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.
Al Kaabi said Dubai Equestrian Club continues to play a key role in advancing e
ndurance riding at the international level, with the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival reflecting the UAE’s leadership in delivering competitions that meet the highest standards of the sport. Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Centre, expressed pride in sponsoring the festival, noting its role in advancing endurance riding and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for equestrian competitions.
Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Developments and Azizi Group, highlighted the festival’s importance as part of the global endurance calendar, emphasizing equestrianism’s deep roots in UAE culture. Al Tayer Motors and Defender will sponsor the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares for the 15th time, offering vehicles as prizes to winners. Mona Hasan Sadoun, Vice President Customer Experience and Marketing, Al Tayer Motors, expressed honour in supporting the festival, reinforcing commitment to the UAE’s equestrian community.
At the 2025 edition, M
RM Stables claimed both the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup and the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, following victories by Saif Al Mazrouei riding Magic Glenn Torque and Bullio Ahnu, respectively. The Ladies Cup was won by Seeh Al Salam Endurance Stables after Zamzam Hamad Al Hosani secured victory riding Dorzok. The Private Stables competition was claimed by Al Awasif Stables, with Ali Mohammed Al Blooshi taking the title riding Sandine Raptor.