Abu Dhabi: The 18th edition of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival is set to begin at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam on Tuesday, 18 February. The event will feature elite endurance riders from the UAE and around the globe as they compete in one of the most prestigious competitions on the world endurance calendar, held in honor of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
According to Emirates News Agency, the five-day festival comprises four rides starting with the 101 km H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Ladies, sponsored by Azizi Developments. Following the Ladies event, the 101 km Private Stables competition will take place on Wednesday, 19 February. The third event is the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, a 120 km ride sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, scheduled for Thursday, 20 February.
The festival will conclude on Saturday, 22 February, with the highlight event, the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Endurance Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline. This showpiece event is a 160 km ride that tests the skill and endurance of both horse and rider, attracting top international competitors vying for prestigious prizes.
Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Equestrian Club, emphasized the significance of the festival, stating it is one of the most important competitions on the endurance calendar. He expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed for his support and vision, acknowledging the festival’s growth and success over the years.
Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, Deputy General Manager of DEC, highlighted the meticulous planning and organization that has contributed to the festival’s success. He expressed excitement for this year’s edition and welcomed participants and fans to the Dubai International Endurance City.
Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management for Emirates, reiterated the airline’s commitment to supporting the festival, which showcases the partnership
between horse and rider. The event is seen as a testament to Dubai’s equestrian heritage and its reputation as a center for equestrian sports.
The current holders of the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, F3 Stables, secured victory last year through Majid Jamal Almheiri. In the Ladies Ride, Argentina’s Martina Spelanzon claimed victory for M7 Endurance Stables, while SS Stables are the defending champions in the Private Stables competition.
Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Group of Companies, sponsors of the Ladies Ride, expressed pleasure in supporting the event for the eighth consecutive year. He noted the importance of the race in bringing together international competitors and reinforcing Dubai’s status as a prime destination for high-profile international events.
Established in 2002 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Equestrian Club is renowned for its leadership in endurance riding and organizing premier competitions in the UAE. The annual calenda
r of the club is headlined by the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival and the Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival.
