Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF) and International Equestrian Federation (FEI) announced the start of second edition of The Emirates Jumping Cup (CSIO5*) from February 11 to 15, held in conjunction with the opening leg of the third season of the Longines League of Nations 2026.
The latter event brings together the world’s top 10 ranked teams alongside the UAE national team and welcomes a total of 203 riders with 313 horses representing 37 nations over the five days. Both competitions are taking place at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club under the supervision of the FEI, with the support of Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC).
The Longines League of Nations will feature the UAE alongside 10 leading nations – the United States, Belgium, Ireland, Germany, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, and Brazil.
Abu Dhabi marks the first stop in the qualification pathway, where eight teams will progress toward the final. Subsequent qualifiers will take place in Ocala, USA (March 18-22), Rotterdam, Netherlands (June 18-21), Saint-Tropez, France (September 17-20) before culminating in the final at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain on October 1-4.
The announcement was made during a press conference on Wednesday, attended by Sultan Al Yehyaei, Board Member of the UAEERF and President of the Show Jumping Committee; Saeed Al Muhairi, Director of Community Sports at ADSC; Aine Power, FEI Executive Director of Sport and Games; Anthony Lowry, Equestrian Director at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club; and Abdullah Al Naqbi, Director of Support Services at UAEERF.
The Organising Committee confirmed the commencement of veterinary inspections for five-star horses arriving from Europe, the GCC and within the UAE for the League of Nations. The schedule includes CSI2* opening classes, a warm-up class for CSIO5* horses and the official Chefs d’Equipe meeting for teams to review regulations and timings.
Al Yehyaei said the double header represents a major milestone in global equestrian sport, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading international sporting destination. “These championships reflect the UAE’s continued cooperation with the FEI and confirm our commitment to hosting major global sporting events,” he said.
“They also play an important role in enhancing the competitive capabilities of Emirati riders through direct engagement with the world’s elite athletes, further reinforcing the development we are witnessing in our equestrian sport.”
