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UAE Contingent set to Reclaim Royal Windsor Endurance honours

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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 a trainee reporter and creative lead, I focus on curating engaging content and managing the social media presence for the company. I aim to connect audiences with relevant, impactful news through multiple digital platforms.

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Canada Super 60 picks BC Place for groundbreaking cricket debut

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In a landmark development for cricket in North America, the newly launched Canada Super 60 has announced Vancouver’s BC Place as the official venue for its inaugural men’s and women’s tournaments. The move marks a historic moment for the sport in Canada, with the iconic stadium set to become the first indoor venue globally to host a 10-over-a-side cricket league.

BC Place, a Canadian sporting landmark located in downtown Vancouver, has long been a stage for world-class events — from the 2010 Winter Olympics to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015, and most recently, one of the host venues for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, retractable roof, and seating capacity of over 50,000, the stadium is now preparing to add cricket to its multi-sport repertoire.

“BC Place is not just a stadium; it’s a theatre of dreams,” said former India international and Canada Super 60’s strategic partner Yuvraj Singh. “The grandeur of this venue will inspire players and fans alike. Vancouver’s spirit of diversity, nature, and culture makes it the perfect backdrop for cricket’s next big chapter on the West Coast.”

Set to launch in 2025, the Canada Super 60 is a pioneering cricket league featuring both men’s and women’s teams in a 10-over format — a first-of-its-kind initiative aiming to elevate the profile of Canadian cricket on the world stage. The league is being organized with the backing of Cricket Canada.

Amjad Bajwa, President of Cricket Canada, called the partnership with BC Place a “bold and proud step” in the growth of the sport. “This is a significant milestone not just for the Canada Super 60, but for cricket in the country. We’re committed to creating world-class opportunities for Canadian talent as we gear up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026.”

Chris May, General Manager of BC Place, echoed the sentiment. “Hosting Canada Super 60 allows us to bring the world’s second most-watched sport into our venue and celebrate the diversity of British Columbia in a powerful new way. It’s a unique opportunity to build a more inclusive sporting culture.”

The official match dates and ticketing details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Organizers promise an electrifying blend of cricketing action and cultural celebration — with Vancouver’s passionate sports community playing a central role in the spectacle.

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DP World ILT20 Season 4 player auction set for September 30

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The DP World International League T20 Player Auction for Season 4 will be held on Tuesday, 30 September in Dubai. The six tournament teams will each get the opportunity of adding 13 players each (a total of 78 players) to their Season 4 squads at the auction. Players interested in appearing for the Player Auction can register here. The last date of registration is Wednesday, 10 September.

The six franchises will have a combined purse of USD 4.8 million to spend at the Player Auction. Details about the available budgets for the teams (including the remaining budgets from their direct signing allotment which can be used in the Player Auction), the auction order and the players list will be shared in due course.

DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “We are delighted to confirm the DP World International League Season 4 Player Auction date – Tuesday, 30 September. The auction is a big milestone for the league as we continue to grow as a world-class T20 tournament. The auction will be a great opportunity for our franchises to add local and international firepower to their Season 4 squads.

“For the UAE players, the ACC Asia Cup 2025 – September 9-28 in the UAE – is a massive opportunity for making a global impression ahead of the Player Auction. The players will have incredible exposure in the continental championship where they will be pitted against some of the top-ranked T20 teams.
“We are also set to play the third edition of the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament from later this month which – alongside the Asia Cup – is another platform for the local players to impress ahead of the Player Auction.” The DP World ILT20 Player Auction is the second phase of squads’ selection for Season 4. Earlier this month, the teams completed their new signings and retentions – a total of eight players per team. The list of those selections is available below.

DP World ILT20 Season 4 – Season 4 squads so far:

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Alex Hales, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Charith Asalanka, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Sherfane Rutherford and Sunil Narine

Desert Vipers: Andries Gous, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson, Max Holden, Sam Curran and Wanindu Hasaranga

Dubai Capitals: Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Gulbadin Naib, Luke Wood, Muhammad Jawadullah, Rovmann Powell, Shai Hope and Waqar Salamkheil.

Gulf Giants: Aayan Afzal Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Blessing Muzarabani, Gerhard Erasmus, James Vince, Mark Adair, Moeen Ali and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

MI Emirates: AM Ghazanfar, Chris Woakes, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton and Muhammad Waseem

Sharjah Warriorz: Johnson Charles, Tim Southee, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Maheesh Theekshana, Saurabh Netravalkar, Sikandar Raza and Tim David
The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.

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UAE travel: Emirates adds Hangzhou to its China network 

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The UAE’s flagship carrier launched its new daily service to Hangzhou on  Wednesday, marking yet another milestone in its growing network across China. The move comes hot on the heels of its recent route launch to Shenzhen, making Hangzhou the second new mainland destination in just under a month.

Flight EK310 touched down at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport to a warm welcome – complete with a traditional water cannon salute and greetings from local officials and dignitaries. Passengers on the inaugural flight didn’t leave empty-handed either. They were treated to souvenir keychains, flight certificates, and Chinese tea tasting sets to mark the occasion.

The new route is operated on a Boeing 777-300ER, with flight EK310 departing Dubai at 9:40am and reaching Hangzhou by 10:00pm. The return leg, EK311, takes off from Hangzhou at 12:10am, landing back in Dubai by 4:55am, making it a convenient overnight hop for business and leisure travellers.

With this addition, Emirates now flies 49 times a week to five major Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and now Hangzhou.

Thanks to seamless connectivity through Dubai, travellers from over 40 European cities, 21 in Africa, and others in the Middle East and South America can now easily access one of China’s key tech and business hubs. The route also enables convenient two-way travel between Hangzhou and global cities like Istanbul, Cairo, Johannesburg, and Barcelona.

Best of all? UAE and GCC nationals can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days, making spontaneous business trips or leisure breaks even easier.

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