Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Butheeb International Endurance Village has been selected to host the FEI Endurance World Championship 2026, bringing the global competition back to the Abu Dhabi venue for the second time.
The FEI Board awarded the championship to the UAE during a teleconference on July 28, following its decision on July 1 to withdraw the event from AlUla, Saudi Arabia, and reopen the bidding process.
The championship will run from December 14-20 at Butheeb, about an hour from Abu Dhabi city centre, with the Championship ride scheduled for December 19. The venue previously hosted the FEI Endurance World Championship in 2022.
"We are very pleased with the decision to award the FEI Endurance World Championship 2026 to Butheeb," FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
"In taking its decision, the Board considered all relevant factors, in particular the safety and security of human and equine athletes. The Organiser submitted not only a detailed plan covering all sporting aspects of the Championship, but also a comprehensive logistics outline, including the costs of transportation and accommodation of horses and delegations, as well as contingency plans to ensure the event is accessible to all eligible National Federations and their athletes. The Board was therefore satisfied that all the necessary conditions will be in place for a safe and successful Championship."
Since 2004, Butheeb International Endurance Village has hosted about 180 FEI competitions and 361 national endurance events.
The venue is internationally recognised for its veterinary clinic, which provides digital X-ray, ultrasonography and other diagnostic services through a team of veterinarians and laboratory technicians.
Located near the Central Vet Gates and Holding Area, the clinic contains examination areas, stables for horses receiving in-patient treatment, observation spaces and administrative facilities.
"The Butheeb bid was one of four very strong bids received when we re-opened the process. The fact that four Organisers put themselves forward as potential hosts demonstrates the solidarity within the Endurance community and a shared commitment to ensuring there would be an FEI Endurance World Championship in 2026. The Butheeb Organising Committee has a proven track record of hosting events of this calibre, and we have very fond memories of the outstanding FEI Endurance World Championship 2022 held at the venue," the FEI President said.
"We are extremely grateful to the Organising Committee and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation for their continued support of the Endurance discipline, and we are confident that the 2026 Championship will be an outstanding event."
The Butheeb endurance course passes through a forestry reserve and combines desert sand, natural tracks and gently undulating sections.
Butheeb is known for producing technical rides that prioritise horse welfare, in line with its mission to deliver exceptional international endurance events that celebrate sporting excellence, place horse welfare at the heart of every decision, embrace innovation and sustainability, and create unforgettable experiences for athletes, officials, spectators and partners.
