UAE Horse Racing And Equestrian Season 2025–2026 Launches With Global Vision Under Sheikh Mansour's Patronage

The 2025–2026 horse racing and equestrian season in the UAE is set to begin soon, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This event is one of the most significant in the UAE's sporting calendar. It will feature endurance races at Al Wathba's Emirates International Endurance Village, Arabian horse beauty contests by the Emirates Arabian Horse Society (EAHS), and flat racing events at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed emphasised that this season continues the UAE’s rich equestrian legacy. He stated, "The races and championships reflect the country’s commitment to preserving its deep-rooted equestrian heritage while reinforcing its global position as a premier destination for endurance, beauty and flat horse racing." His patronage highlights his dedication to supporting horse owners and stables, encouraging youth involvement, and promoting equestrianism as part of national heritage.

The Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba will host several key events. The Union Day Cup - CEN 120 km is scheduled for 30th November 2025. Following this, on 6th December 2025, the H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak For Private Owners - Ladies Endurance Cup (100 km) will take place. The Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for Private Stables – Ladies Endurance Cup CEN 100 km is set for 17th January 2026.

On the next day, the Sheikh Mohammed bin Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup for Private Owners CEN 100 km will occur. The Emirates Arabian Horses Cup - CEN 100 km follows on 1st February 2026. The prestigious UAE President's Emirates Cup (160 km) is planned for 8th February 2026. The village will continue with various endurance cups throughout February.

The EAHS will present a comprehensive programme of beauty championships under Sheikh Mansour’s patronage. It begins with the EAHS National Arabian Horse Championship on 28th–29th October 2025. This is followed by the UAE National Arabian Horse Championship from 31st October to 3rd November, and other significant events throughout November.

The Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Championship is slated for mid-February 2026, concluding with the Ramadan Arabian Horse Championship in Abu Dhabi on late February and early March. Mohamed Ahmed Al Harbi, Director-General of EAHS, noted that these events reinforce the UAE’s status as a hub for Arabian horse beauty championships.

Flat Racing Events

At Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, major speed races are scheduled including the President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses on 6th December 2025. The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup will follow on 14th February 2026, drawing elite participants globally. Ali Al Shaiba from Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club highlighted that preparations ensure high-quality facilities and world-class organisation.

Musallam Al Amri from Emirates International Endurance Village expressed gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support. He mentioned that preparations align with international standards, ensuring readiness with advanced infrastructure and professional teams dedicated to excellence in organisation and performance.

Strategic Investment in Equestrian Sports

This season represents a strategic investment broadening opportunities in training, management, and event organisation within equestrian sports. H.H. Sheikh Mansour’s support has elevated venues like Abu Dhabi Racecourse into premier locations attracting global audiences and participants, particularly in Purebred Arabian horse racing.

The upcoming season unites top-tier equestrian championships and races across endurance, beauty, and flat racing disciplines under H.H. Sheikh Mansour's patronage. This reaffirms the UAE’s position as a global capital for equestrian sports while nurturing competitiveness and connecting new generations with their ancestral heritage.

With inputs from WAM