His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, has officially approved the horse racing and equestrian championships programme for the 2026-2027 season, which will be held under his patronage. The programme includes endurance races at the UAE International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, as well as Arabian horse beauty competitions organised by the Emirates Arabian Horse Society, and speed races hosted at the Abu Dhabi Racing Course.
A Commitment to Equestrian Heritage
Sheikh Mansour underscored the significance of the upcoming season, stating that it represents a continuation of the UAE’s steadfast commitment to supporting equestrian sports and preserving its rich heritage, while also developing it according to the highest standards of organisation and professionalism. This commitment aims to enhance the UAE’s position on the global equestrian map.
Preserving National Identity
In his remarks, Sheikh Mansour expressed, “Horses and equestrianism are an integral part of the UAE’s history and national identity, passed down through generations by our forefathers. We continue to uphold our responsibility to preserve and develop this heritage for future generations. The late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, instilled a deep appreciation for equestrian values in our community, a path we continue to follow through our support for riders, owners, and breeders.”
A Season of Competition and Achievement
He added, “We look forward to a season filled with competitions and accomplishments, gathering elite riders, owners, breeders, and horse enthusiasts from both within and outside the UAE, reflecting our nation’s leadership and expertise in organising horse racing and equestrian championships.” He emphasised the importance of maintaining these sports as a bridge connecting generations to their heritage and a platform for communication between cultures. “We anticipate that both Emirati men and women will continue to carry this heritage forward, adding new chapters to the Emirati equestrian legacy,” he said.
Key Competitions and Dates
Throughout the season, the Emirates Arabian Horse Society will present a rich programme of horse beauty championships under Sheikh Mansour’s patronage. Significant events include the National Championship on 27-28 October 2026, the UAE National Championship for Arabian Horses from 30 October to 2 November 2026, and the Abu Dhabi International Championship for Arabian Horses from 18-21 February 2027.
In addition, the UAE International Endurance Village in Al Wathba will host the Union Festival Cup race covering 120 km on Sunday, 29 November 2026. Further endurance events include the Sheikh Fatima bint Mubarak Cup for private stables on Saturday, 12 December 2026, and the Sheikh Fatima bint Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan race for women over 100 km on 16 January 2027. Subsequently, on 31 January 2027, the President’s Cup for endurance will be contested over 160 km.
A Premier Racing Season
The Abu Dhabi Racing Course will kick off the national horse racing season with a schedule featuring 16 racing evenings, highlighted by the President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses on 12 December 2026 and the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup on 7 February 2027. This showcases the prestigious standing established by Sheikh Mansour’s support for Arabian horse racing at both national and international levels.
Commitment to Excellence in Equestrianism
Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi, Director-General of the Emirates Arabian Horse Society, noted that the championships and auctions planned for the 2026-2027 season exemplify a visionary approach to solidifying the UAE’s leadership in Arabian horse beauty competitions on both regional and global stages. This comprehensive calendar includes a range of international and local competitions that cater to the aspirations of owners and breeders while enhancing efforts to preserve the genuine heritage of Arabian horses as a fundamental part of national identity and Emirati culture.
Expressing gratitude to Sheikh Mansour for his unwavering support, Al Harbi stated, “We reaffirm our commitment to work according to the highest global standards and to build on the successes achieved in past seasons, introducing innovative initiatives that elevate the Arabian horse beauty championships while enhancing the UAE’s global presence.”
Preparing for an Exceptional Season
Musallam Al Ameri, Director-General of the UAE International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, extended heartfelt thanks to Sheikh Mansour for his significant contributions and continued patronage of the events hosted at the village. He stated that this support serves as a strong motivator for owners, riders, and trainers to partake in the races, showcasing the profound passion for this noble sport rooted in the culture of the UAE.
Al Ameri announced that the village is well-prepared to welcome the new racing season, ensuring that it meets the highest international standards with a robust infrastructure and qualified personnel, all guided by Sheikh Mansour’s directives.
In addition, Ali Al Sheiba, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Abu Dhabi Racing Course, expressed his deep appreciation for Sheikh Mansour’s continuous support for equestrian sports. He confirmed that the equestrian arena is ready to welcome this extraordinary season, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to establishing itself as one of the world’s leading equestrian destinations.