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.

Counsellor Mohammed Al Kamali has been appointed as Chair of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, a major international role that he says is both an honour and a great responsibility. His appointment was announced by the General Assembly of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association).

Al Kamali said he is proud to take on this important position and is committed to doing his best with professionalism and integrity.

He thanked the UAE’s wise leadership for always supporting Emiratis and giving them opportunities to grow and shine on the global stage. He also expressed his gratitude to the UAE Football Association, led by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, for supporting local talent and encouraging Emiratis to take on leadership roles in international sports.

Al Kamali promised to honour the trust placed in him and work closely with FIFA to ensure fair decisions and contribute to the development of global football.

Cricket fans in the UAE are in for a good time. The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) Season 4 is set to kick off on Tuesday, December 2, coinciding with the UAE National Day. The month-long tournament will run until Sunday,  January 4, 2026.

The league, now considered the Gulf region’s biggest cricket tournament, has moved from its usual January-February slot to avoid clashing with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which starts in February.

The competition features six teams with 34 thrilling matches that will be held across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

“The UAE is home to people from all over the world, and quite a large number of them are diehard cricket fans. Moreover, it’s an honour to launch DP World ILT20 Season 4 on UAE National Day,” said Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20 and Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board. 

The new schedule also helps top players prepare for the T20 World Cup, while giving franchises access to a larger talent pool.

“Following extensive discussions with all our stakeholders, we believe the tournament window is ideal for the DP World International League T20 Season 4. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins in early February, hence, it was important for us to start and finish Season 4 well before the tournament, as it will allow the players playing both the DP World ILT20 and the T20 World Cup to prepare for national duty. In addition, we feel that the December-January window will provide teams the best opportunity to access a bigger pool of players,” said David White, CEO of ILT20.

In the last season, Dubai Capitals edged out Desert Vipers in a nail-biting final at a packed Dubai International Stadium. Season 3 featured international cricketing stars such as Nicholas Pooran, Sam Curran, David Warner, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and more.

Season 3 was a big success with outstanding broadcast and digital numbers, as the fans enjoyed a step-up in the quality of cricket. The teams gave their absolute all across the hugely competitive 34-tournament matches. We are fully focused on making an even bigger impact as we turn our attention to Season 4,” White added.

What to Expect in Season 4

• Start Date: December 2, 2025
• Final Match: January 4, 2026
• Teams: Six top-tier franchises
• Format: 34 matches 
• Star Power: Expect more global superstars this season