Some of the UAE’s top endurance athletes have joined forces to form a formidable 31-rider contingent aiming to reclaim top honours at the Royal Windsor Endurance 2025 on Friday, 16 May.

Taking place in Windsor Great Park in the United Kingdom, the FEI-endorsed event features 3*, 2*, and 1* rides, attracting an international field of riders, horses, trainers, grooms, and support teams. The CEI3* ride is the longest and most demanding, covering a 160 km course split into five phases. Meanwhile, the CEI2* and CEI1* events span four-phase 120 km and three-phase 100 km routes, respectively. The endurance challenge forms part of the broader Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Emirati riders have historically excelled at this event, winning six of the eleven editions since its inception in 2013 — more than any other nation. Past champions include His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Defence, who led the UAE to victory in 2014 following Rashed Mohammed Al Baloushi’s triumph in the inaugural event.

Saif Al Mazrouei clinched victory in 2016 when the competition was staged as a CEI2* over 120 km and returns this year aiming to top the podium once more. Fellow Emiratis Saeed Hamoud Al Khayari and Ghanim Said Al Owaisi claimed wins in the 2017 and 2019 editions, respectively, while Fares Ahmad Al Mansoori led a historic clean sweep in 2023, with the UAE winning all three rides.

This year, Al Mazrouei, Al Khayari, and Al Mansoori form part of the UAE contingent seeking to halt the momentum of four-time champions and current title-holders, Bahrain.

Commenting on the occasion, Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Equestrian Club, said:

“It is with great pride that we announce the UAE Team’s participation in Royal Windsor Endurance. Our riders have demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and unity in preparing for this prestigious event. I am confident that our team will represent the country with honour and distinction, embodying the spirit of endurance, excellence, and sportsmanship at every stage of the competition.

Thanks to the continued support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the sport of endurance has made significant strides both locally and internationally. Emirati riders have consistently proven their talent and commitment on the global stage.

This competition is our chance to show what we’ve trained for — to push boundaries, compete with heart, and make our mark with integrity and excellence.”

Set against the scenic backdrop of Windsor Great Park, the event offers a distinctive riding experience, taking competitors past iconic sites such as the Copper Horse, Long Walk, the Philip Jackson equestrian statue of Queen Elizabeth II, and Smith’s Lawn – famed for its elite polo action. Riders navigate a variety of terrain including woodland trails, grassland, water crossings, and paved roads, all while managing light variations through dense tree cover.

Speaking on the UAE’s participation, Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, Acting General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club and Chef d’Équipe of the UAE team, said:

“This is a prestigious event on the international endurance calendar, and the UAE has enjoyed great success here. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum’s 2014 victory remains an inspiration, motivating many to strive for excellence and national pride.

Horses are deeply woven into the fabric of Emirati culture and heritage. Endurance riding has a long-standing tradition in our region, and we are confident in our team’s strength. We look forward to another outstanding performance that will make our country and its visionary leadership proud.”

About Dubai Equestrian Club
Founded in 2002 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Equestrian Club is a global leader in endurance riding. It organises high-calibre competitions at its world-class facility, Dubai International Endurance City. The Club’s annual calendar features two flagship events: the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival and the Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival.

As summer peaks, so does one of the UAE’s most significant holidays, Eid Al Adha. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a longer break, now is the perfect time to start planning your leave.

While the official dates for Islamic holidays depend on the moon sighting, astronomical projections indicate that Eid Al Adha 2025 is expected to fall on Friday, June 6.

What is Eid Al Adha?

Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. It follows the Day of Arafah, a significant day of fasting and prayer for Muslims.

When Is Eid Al Adha 2025 in the UAE?

Based on current forecasts:

• May 27: Crescent moon expected to be visible
• May 28: Likely to be the 1st of Dhu Al Hijjah
• June 5 (Thursday): Day of Arafah
• June 6 (Friday): Eid Al Adha

UAE Public Holiday for Eid Al Adha

According to the UAE’s official holiday calendar, the public holiday spans from the 9th to 12th of Dhu Al Hijjah, meaning four days off.

If Eid falls on Friday, June 6, the UAE will enjoy a four-day weekend:

• Thursday: Arafah Day
• Friday: Eid Al Adha
• Saturday–Sunday: Regular weekend

However, if the moon isn’t sighted on May 27, the start of Dhu Al Hijjah may shift by a day — meaning Eid Al Adha could fall on Saturday, June 7, pushing the holiday to run from Saturday to Tuesday. In that case, it won’t align with the weekend.

How to Turn Eid Al Adha Into a 15-Day Holiday

Want a longer break? Here’s a smart plan using minimal annual leave:

• Take leave from Monday, June 2 to Wednesday, June 4
• With the Eid break from June 5 to June 8 (if Eid is on Friday), you get 11 days off
• Add leave from Monday, June 9 to Thursday, June 12 to extend the break
• Include weekends before and after: May 31–June 1 and June 13–14

Total time off: 15 days
Annual leave used: Just 7 days

Official Eid Al Adha 2025 dates will be confirmed by the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee closer to the time.

As it celebrates its fifth anniversary, BEYOND Expo 2025 has announced a major initiative aimed at increasing the international growth of Asian tech companies. The newly launched BEYOND BGlobal Network is designed to help Asian companies expand internationally by offering year-round support, global market insights, and access to strategic networks.

With many Asian businesses looking beyond domestic markets for long-term growth, the BGlobal Network aims to address the specific challenges of international expansion, such as localisation, cross-border operations, and global brand positioning.

“Globalisation is more than just entering new markets, it’s about creating meaningful, sustainable connections,” said Jason Ho, co-founder of BEYOND Expo. 

“The BGlobal Network connects Asian companies with key local players, resources, and expertise to help them thrive on the world stage.”

A Milestone Launch at BEYOND Expo 2025

The BEYOND BGlobal Network will officially launch during the closing ceremony of BEYOND Expo 2025 on May 24 at the Venetian Macao Cotai Expo. The ceremony will also feature a special edition of Fund at First Pitch, where selected startups will present their global ambitions to a panel of celebrity athletes and investors.

“As we celebrate five years of BEYOND, the BGlobal Network represents a bold next step in empowering regional innovation,” said Dr. Gang Lu, co-founder of BEYOND Expo. 

“This initiative is designed to help high-potential companies navigate their global journeys with confidence.”

Connecting Asian Talent to the World

The BGlobal Network provides member companies with access to a wide network of decision-makers across industries, ranging from global retailers and e-commerce platforms to venture capital firms, financial institutions, and localisation experts. It also opens opportunities for collaboration with global influencers and strategic partners, helping companies boost visibility and build brand equity overseas.

Throughout BEYOND Expo 2025, the initiative will be spotlighted through dedicated sessions such as the BGlobal Summit, the Global Investment Summit, and the BEYOND Wealth Summit. Sector-specific programming will explore topics including AI, HealthTech, FinTech, Robotics, Mobility, ClimateTech, and SportsTech.

Five Years of Cross-Border Impact

Since its launch in 2021, BEYOND Expo has become a leading platform for connecting innovation hubs across Asia with global markets. The 2025 edition is expected to attract over 30,000 attendees from more than 120 countries, with participation from startups, multinational corporations, investors, and media.

“The BGlobal Network reflects our commitment to helping Asia’s most ambitious companies turn possibility into impact,” said Jason Ho.

Looking Ahead

More than just a tech showcase, BEYOND Expo 2025 aims to serve as a launchpad for global success. With the introduction of the BGlobal Network and a strong focus on international collaboration, this year’s event sets the stage for a new era of cross-border innovation.

To learn more about the BEYOND BGlobal Network or register for BEYOND Expo 2025, visit www.beyondexpo.com.