The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival will launch its 19th edition next Tuesday

An elite group of the best and most important riders in the sport of endurance and endurance from various parts of the world will gather in the UAE, to participate in the competitions of the 19th edition of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival at the Dubai International Endurance City in Saih Al Salam, which is scheduled to start on Tuesday, January 6th.
The prestigious festival, which honors the name of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, one of the world champions in endurance sports, and one of the most prominent supporters of equestrian sports around the world, is considered the largest and most important tournaments on the global endurance racing agenda.
The festival, which is held under the auspices and support of Fares Al Arab, confirms the UAE’s commitment to developing equestrian sports, supporting its growth opportunities, and organizing world-class sports tournaments, in addition to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global capital for endurance sports.
Since its inception, the prestigious event has attracted elite riders and the best stables specializing in endurance racing from around the world. This year’s edition will kick off with the 120 km HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Women’s Endurance Cup race, sponsored by Azizi Real Estate Development Company, on Tuesday, January 6.
The women’s race is the first challenge among four races on the event’s program, followed the next day by the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup race, designated for private stables (120 km), according to a pricing system, with the honor of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and includes a special incentive to support and encourage national breeders. This will be followed by the Jamilati Cup for mares, over a distance of 120 km, sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, on Thursday, January 8.
The festival concludes with the main and most important race, the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, which extends over a distance of 160 km, sponsored by Emirates Airlines, on Saturday, January 10.
The organizers of the event at the Dubai Equestrian Club expressed their aspiration for the launch of the 2026 edition to add a new chapter to the success story of the festival, which since its establishment has contributed significantly to raising the levels of competition in this sport, in addition to highlighting the advanced organizational experience of the UAE in hosting major equestrian tournaments according to the highest international standards.
On this occasion, Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmuk Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Equestrian Club, confirmed that the festival continued its progress to become the best in the world thanks to the unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, confirming His Highness’s vision for the future of endurance racing, and His Highness’s keenness to consolidate Dubai’s position as a global destination for this ancient sport.
For his part, Director General of the Dubai Equestrian Club, Ahmed Rashid Mohammed Saeed Al Kaabi, confirmed that all preparations have been completed in the Dubai International Endurance City, with its modern and advanced facilities, to receive riders from various countries of the world. Al Kaabi pointed out that the festival represents the most important stop on the map of annual international endurance races, explaining that Dubai International Endurance City provides a competitive and professional environment for all athletes, in addition to an enjoyable and integrated experience for guests.
Al Kaabi added that the Dubai Equestrian Club continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of endurance sports at the global level, as the festival, through all its editions, confirms the leadership of the UAE in establishing the highest standards of excellence and competition in this sport.
In turn, Adel Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations in the Gulf, Middle East and Central Asia region at Emirates Airlines, said: “Emirates Airline is very pleased to sponsor the Cup of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, which is a prominent event on the global equestrian sports agenda, and embodies His Highness’s vision to advance endurance sports and enhance its presence on the international scene. This sponsorship represents an extension of our ongoing commitment to supporting authentic sports that form an integral part of our heritage and identity. “It is consistent with the values of discipline and excellence that we believe in at Emirates Airlines.”
Al Ghaith added: “This event reflects Dubai’s leading position as a global center for hosting and organizing major equestrian tournaments. It also provides a platform that brings together elite riders and horses from around the world. We look forward to an exceptional and strong edition of the festival that continues to build on the successes it has achieved over the past years, and provides a high-level sporting experience for participants and audiences alike.”
For his part, Farhad Azizi, CEO of Azizi Group for Real Estate Development, said: “We are proud to continue our participation in the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, which is considered one of the most prestigious and important tournaments on the global endurance racing agenda. Equestrian sports represent an integral part of the culture and heritage of the UAE, while Dubai continues to embody the highest standards of hospitality and global leadership in hosting and organizing major events. Our sponsorship of the festival for the ninth year in a row reflects our firm commitment “With initiatives that celebrate excellence and contribute to enriching the quality of life.”
Also, Al Tayer Motors continues to sponsor the Jamilati Cup for Mares for the fifteenth time, and will provide luxury cars as prizes to the winners, and said. Vice President of Marketing and Customer Experience at Al Tayer Motors Mona Hassan Saadoun: “We are pleased to be part of this prestigious festival, as this is in line with our commitment to the equestrian community in the country and our support for local sporting events. In addition to showcasing our four-wheel drive vehicles, which are known internationally for their durability and superior ability to deal with various terrains, we are proud to support initiatives that celebrate heritage, enhance community cohesion, and consolidate high sporting values.”
Last year, MRM Stables won the titles of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup and the Jamilati Cup for Mares, after the jockey Saif Al Mazrouei won on the horses “Magic Glen Turk” and “Polio Ahno” in the two competitions, while the women’s race title went to Saih Al Salam Stables after Zamzam Hamad Al Hassani won on the horse “Dorzok”. As for the private stables race, Al Aswaf Stables shined and won the first prize after Ali Mohammed Al Balushi won on the horse “Sandin Raptor.”