Riyadh To Host Historic FEI Jumping And Dressage World Cup Finals In 2024

Riyadh is on the brink of a historic moment as it prepares to host the FEI Jumping and Dressage World Cup Finals 2024, a first for the Middle East. The event, scheduled from April 17 to 20, will see an impressive lineup of 51 riders from 24 countries, alongside 60 horses, competing for a prize fund that has doubled to 10.3 million Saudi riyals. This significant increase makes it the most substantial prize in the competition's history.

The Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC) will be the venue for the opening day, featuring the Grand Prix in Dressage and a show jumping round with obstacles reaching a height of 1.6 meters. The day promises to end on a high note with a performance by the renowned Spanish horseman Santi Serra.

Among the competitors are top international talents including Swedish champion Henrik Von Eckermann, German rider Isabell Werth, Swiss Steve Guerdat, and the French duo Julien Epaillard and Kent Farrington. Representing Saudi Arabia are Ramzy Al Duhami, Khaled Al-Mobty, and Abdullah Al-Sharbatly. The dressage competition will showcase talents like the German trio of Isabell Werth, Matthias Rath, and Raphael Netz, alongside Americans Ben Ebeling, Kevin Kohmann, and Anna Marek.

Beyond the thrilling competitions, attendees can look forward to a variety of activities designed to enhance their experience. These include live art performances, diverse workshops, and educational as well as artistic activities. For those seeking entertainment, there will be games available alongside unique shopping areas, commercial outlets, and a dedicated photography zone.

To ensure that this landmark event receives widespread coverage, the organizing committee has established a comprehensive media center. This facility includes a press conference hall and is staffed by specialized professionals tasked with providing news services to local and international media outlets. Over 150 media professionals from 10 Arab and other world countries are expected to attend, ensuring that news of the event reaches a global audience.

This edition of the FEI World Cup Finals not only marks a significant milestone for equestrian sports in the Middle East but also showcases Riyadh as a capable host for major international sporting events. With its increased prize fund and a roster of top international talent, the competition is set to be an unforgettable spectacle for participants and spectators alike.

With inputs from SPA