Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival To Begin On 18 February In Dubai

The 18th edition of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival commenced at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam on 18 February. The event attracts top endurance riders from the UAE and around the globe. This festival, a significant fixture on the world endurance calendar, honours His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The festival spans five days and includes four distinct rides. It begins with the 101 km H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Ladies, sponsored by Azizi Developments. Following this, the 101 km Private Stables competition takes place. The Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, a 120 km ride sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, is scheduled next. The festival concludes with the prestigious H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, a challenging 160 km ride sponsored by Emirates Airline.

This endurance event is renowned for its high level of competition, drawing elite horses and riders who vie for coveted prizes. "The H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival is undoubtedly one of the most important and well-known competitions on the endurance calendar," stated Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC). He expressed gratitude to HH Sheikh Mohammed for his unwavering support and vision for endurance sports.

Over time, meticulous planning by the Dubai Equestrian Club has been crucial to the festival's success. Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, Deputy General Manager of DEC, anticipates another stellar edition this year. "Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that this festival is remembered by fans and participants alike," he said. The event promises to be memorable for both attendees and competitors.

Nabil Sultan from Emirates highlighted their continued support: "Emirates is honoured to continue our support of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival." This sponsorship underscores their commitment to Dubai's equestrian heritage and its status as a hub for horse-riding sports.

F3 Stables are defending champions of last year's H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup after Majid Jamal Almheiri's victory with Guezla. Martina Spelanzon from Argentina won last year's Ladies Ride for M7 Endurance Stables aboard Romero. SS Stables will defend their title in the Private Stables category after Saeed Mohammed Al Mehairi’s triumph with Cherifa De Flauzins.

Enduring Legacy and Future Prospects

Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Group of Companies, sponsors of the Ladies Ride, remarked: "It is with utmost pleasure that we sponsor the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival Ladies Race." This sponsorship highlights their enthusiasm for supporting events that celebrate equestrian traditions deeply rooted in Emirati culture.

The Dubai Equestrian Club was established in 2002 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It leads globally in endurance riding and organises major events at its state-of-the-art facility in Dubai International Endurance City. Its annual calendar features two prominent events: this festival and the Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival.

With inputs from WAM