ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Abu Dhabi is set to take centre stage on the international sporting calendar once again this February as the Longines League of Nations and the Emirates Jumping Cup return to the capital for the third year running.
Taking place from February 11-15, the five-day show will be hosted at its new home, Abu Dhabi Turf Club, marking an exciting new chapter for one of the country's flagship sporting events.
Boasting an overall prize fund of more than 1.3 million euros, the event offers a compelling mix of high-adrenaline sport, family entertainment and lifestyle experiences, blending elite team competition with a vibrant social programme in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
As the opening leg of the 2026 season, the Longines League of Nations will see show jumping's leading national teams plus the host nation begin their campaign on Emirati soil – the first of four qualifying rounds – ahead of October's final in Barcelona.
The Abu Dhabi leg will welcome many of the sport's most decorated athletes, including Olympic and championship medallists from across the competing nations. Among those set to feature are Simon Delestre, Daniel Deusser and Sophie Hinners, all currently ranked inside the top 25 in the world.
Qualified teams include Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, the USA and hosts UAE, who will once again field the same proven quartet that secured a standout second-place finish in 2025 – Abdullah Al Marri, Omar Al Marzouqi, Abdullah Al Muhairi and Humaid Al Muhairi.
"Finishing second last year meant a lot to us," said Al Marzouqi, the UAE's Olympic finalist, "and we're proud of what we built together. We're really looking forward to competing on the world stage again and we're ready to give it our all."
Meanwhile, Ireland's Trevor Breen, who made a remarkable comeback from a life-threatening injury to help his nation take gold in 2025, said: "I'm fortunate enough to spend every winter season competing in the UAE and it's become a second home to me and my brother Shane. We're looking forward to defending our title and giving the other sides a run for their money."
Friday evening's team competition will see the eleven nations go head-to-head over a demanding 1.6-metre course in two rounds for a share of the 700,000 euros class prize fund, the largest on offer in the UAE.
Alongside, the programme also will feature a further five-star CSIO classes, culminating with Sunday afternoon's Emirates Jumping Cup presented by Longines, as well as CSI2*, Children and Junior classes. The event is supported by valued partners including Al Shira'aa, the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Equitrans Logistics and Cavalor.