The 18th edition of the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival is set to captivate equestrian enthusiasts as it kicks off with the highly anticipated Al Yamama Cup for Mares. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam, this premier festival promises to highlight the UAE’s commitment to endurance sports. With a total prize pool exceeding 5 million dirhams, the event celebrates the legacy and ongoing support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, further enhancing the nation’s status in the global equestrian arena.
A Celebration of Endurance Riding
The Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival stands as a pivotal event in the endurance riding calendar, showcasing the dedication and passion for this demanding sport. Organized by the Dubai Equestrian Club in collaboration with the Emirates Equestrian Federation, the festival not only represents a celebration of local talent but also pays homage to the passion and efforts spearheaded by its leaders to enhance the UAE’s prominence in endurance racing.
Exciting Competitions and Rewards
The first day of the festival witnessed a remarkable performance, with Emirati rider Sara Mohammed Abdulwahid claiming the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup for Women over a distance of 120 kilometers. The excitement continues with the Private Stables Race set for Tuesday. The festival will culminate on Wednesday, April 1st, with the highlight race, the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup, sponsored by Emaar Properties, the primary partner of the Dubai Equestrian Club.
Significant Prizes and Acknowledgments
The organizing committee has allocated substantial prize money, surpassing 5 million dirhams, which will be distributed up to the 17th place in the women’s and Al Yamama races, and up to the 30th place in the private stables race and the main event. Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Equestrian Club, expressed his gratitude for the continued support of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed for equestrian sports, emphasizing that their commitment is fundamental to the growth and prosperity of endurance riding.
Legacy and Future of Endurance Racing
Ahmad Rashid Al Kabbi, General Manager of the Dubai Equestrian Club, highlighted the festival’s evolution into a key event on the global endurance racing map, signifying its enduring legacy. Dr. Ghannam Al Hajeri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Equestrian Federation, also expressed his appreciation for the leadership’s unwavering support, which forms a strong foundation for the sport’s ongoing development both locally and internationally.
The Emaar Properties Sponsorship
Ahmad Al Matroushi, board member and CEO of Emaar Properties, conveyed his delight at sponsoring the prestigious Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup, marking a significant conclusion to the festival. He noted that since its inception in 2009, the festival has seen exceptional growth and serves as a celebration of the rich heritage that Dubai aims to preserve and promote on a global scale.
Last year’s edition of the festival witnessed a remarkable win for rider Majed Jamal Al-Muhairi, who secured the cup for F3 Stables with a time of 4:10:51 hours, averaging a speed of 28.7 kilometers per hour. His teammate, Rashid Mohammed Atiq Al-Muhairi, followed closely in second place, while Argentine rider Milena Mendez claimed third for M7 Stables.