Gulf News

The World Endurance Forum strengthens the UAE’s international standing in horse racing sports

ABU DHABI, 21st February, 2018 (WAM) – The Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba has established its global position and prestigious position on the map of endurance racing, by hosting the “World Endurance Forum” during the period from 9 to 11 February at the Al Wathba Hotel in Abu Dhabi, with the participation of an elite group of experts and officials in equestrian sports in general and endurance sports in particular.

The forum confirmed its international status with the knowledge content it provided, an integrated vision of current challenges, and its outlook for future prospects, in addition to presenting qualitative models for building partnerships and developing capabilities.

The organization of this event embodies the amount of experience and organizational and technical capabilities that the village possesses, which enhances the UAE’s position in supporting and developing equestrian sports at the international level.

The village previously recorded an exceptional achievement by entering the Guinness Book of World Records in 2024, by organizing a lecture entitled “Horse Care” delivered by expert Dr. Jorge Luce, in the presence of 345 people, exceeding the previous number, which reached 250 people.

The village launched a number of development initiatives that received global appreciation, most notably the horse care policy document, which represents a qualitative addition to the field of horse care in the Emirates and the world, as it included clear provisions encouraging the application of the highest standards of care and care in all events hosted by the village. The village also adopted the smart timing system, which has become internationally recognized and is used by the International Federation in global endurance races.

The forum was held shortly after the village sponsored the International Endurance Federation Forum in Italy, where the success of sponsoring the forum paved the way for the participation of a group of international experts in the forum in Abu Dhabi, based on the great development the village is witnessing in various fields.

The Italy Forum included a special dialogue session on behalf of the village, which reviewed its successes in providing innovative initiatives that include veterinary services, education, advanced timing systems, student training programs, modern veterinary techniques, and specialized workshops, in addition to the remarkable development in organizing endurance races.

The global forum in Al Wathba witnessed discussion of multiple topics, including “obstetrics,” “nutrition,” the skills of endurance riders, media and communication, the role of coaches, the future of endurance sports, the era of digital currencies, and women’s empowerment.

The dialogue sessions were characterized by extensive discussions and an exchange of constructive opinions and proposals, which contributes to strengthening national efforts to develop this sport according to clear scientific foundations.

His Excellency Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, President of the Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation, praised the village’s efforts to advance endurance sports, and its inspiring impact in adopting strategic initiatives and hosting competitive events and international forums, thus enhancing the UAE’s leadership in this sport and supporting the sustainability of its impact across various generations.

For his part, His Excellency Muslim Al Ameri, Director General of the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, confirmed that the prominent presence of officials and experts from inside and outside the country is in line with the village’s strategic plans, its scientific approach and its leadership in putting forward initiatives and keeping pace with global developments, to consolidate its position as one of the best villages specialized in endurance racing in the world.

He explained that the village is continuing to apply the modern scientific approach and launch development projects that enhance its international presence, and dedicate its role within a sustainable system that embodies the UAE’s position at the forefront of equestrian sports, in addition to adopting qualitative partnerships with relevant international institutions.

Mohammed Al-Hadrami, director of events at the village, said that the success of the World Endurance Forum confirms the strategic vision of the village and its plans to keep pace with the global boom in equestrian programs.

He pointed out that the sessions produced important results that can be built upon to maintain the path of continuous development and growth, in addition to continuing qualification and training programs for working cadres and enhancing coordination with the International Equestrian Federation in line with the development directions of the village.

He explained that the active participation of a number of experts and influential figures contributed to enriching the discussions with modern ideas about mechanisms for sustainable growth of endurance sports.

For her part, equestrian Masa Adnan said that her participation in the Ability Horsemen skills session within the forum allowed for the exchange of experiences and benefiting from international experiences, stressing that such forums support the development of the capabilities of male and female horsemen in the country, enhance the empowerment of women and provide a stimulating environment that contributes to reaching the best competitive levels.

Related Articles

Back to top button