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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 names Women’s Trophy after cricketing legend Mel Jones

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Canada’s pioneering cricket league, Canada Super 60, has announced that its inaugural Women’s Trophy will be named in honour of Mel Jones, the former Australian cricketer, respected broadcaster, and tireless advocate for women’s cricket.
Canada Super 60 is the world’s first-ever ten-over-a-side event to launch with both men’s and women’s competitions from its inaugural season. The league will be staged under the roof of the iconic BC Place in Vancouver, showcasing international stars alongside homegrown Canadian talent.

As part of its commitment to celebrating women’s cricket and inspiring future generations, Canada Super 60 will name the Women’s Trophy each year after an international women’s cricket legend. This tradition will not only create awareness but also honour trailblazers whose contributions have shaped the women’s game.

This year, the league has chosen Mel Jones—not only for her outstanding career in cricket and broadcasting, but also for her leadership off the field. Jones has been a leading voice for women’s cricket worldwide, and the ICC has widely recognized her efforts. She played a pivotal role in supporting Afghan women cricketers forced to flee their homeland after the Taliban takeover in 2021, helping coordinate their evacuation to Australia, providing resources, and co-founding the Pitch Our Future initiative to support their education and sporting careers. In recognition of these efforts, she was honoured with the prestigious MCC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2025.

Thanks to her advocacy and international coordination, many of these Afghan players found refuge abroad including two who are now living in Canada, following the Canadian government’s support for their refugee applications. This aligns with the Canada Super 60 vision of using cricket as a platform for opportunity and inclusion. Mel Jones on Receiving the Honour said “This honour from Canada Super 60 truly humbles me,” said Mel Jones. “To have the Women’s Trophy named after me is something very special. What excites me most is the vision behind this initiative creating more opportunities and visibility for women’s cricket, especially in associate nations. Platforms like Canada Super 60 will inspire and empower a new generation of players. My hope is that one day, a Canadian cricket legend will have this trophy named after them, as the women’s game continues to grow in this country.”

The Canada Super 60 Women’s Trophy will be presented at BC Place, Vancouver, during the inaugural edition of the tournament, taking place from October 8–13, 2025.

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Mosaic opens in Dubai, promising smarter marketing decisions for UAE businesses

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Mosaic, an integrated marketing agency, was officially launched in Dubai recently promising a new, more intentional approach to business growth for companies in the UAE. Led by Agency Director Shubhang Bhattacharya and Head of Digital Prasanna Venkat, Mosaic aims to buck a common market trend: businesses that start strong but struggle to scale.

Bhattacharya and Venkat have spent the last decade in the business setup space in Dubai, launching campaigns that helped countless businesses start. This experience has given them a clear vision for Mosaic. 

“So many businesses, no matter how long they’ve been around, try to handle marketing on their own and miss out on huge opportunities,” says Bhattacharya. “Making the right decisions at the right time is a make-or-break moment for any business. We give businesses the expertise to make marketing a cornerstone of their success, not just an afterthought.”

Mosaic’s philosophy centres on making “better decisions” rather than simply chasing bigger budgets. “We’ve seen too many businesses struggle with direction,” adds Venkat. “At Mosaic, our starting point is always the same: what actually creates value for the client, and how do we get there without overcomplicating it?”

Mosaic isn’t waiting around to make an impact. Since its soft launch in February 2025, the agency has already delivered serious results. That includes the “Employee to Entrepreneur” campaign, which pulled in over 23 million impressions, and the launch of the UAE’s first-ever mobile business setup initiative, the “Startup Wagon.” The team also proved its ability to tap into the culture with a simple, silly reel on the Coldplay concert trend that went on to get over 14 million views on Instagram.

The name “Mosaic” is a core tenet of the agency’s operational philosophy. It represents how the team works: bringing distinct, diverse perspectives together to create a result that is greater than the sum of its parts. 

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AKCEL GP Academy officially launches in UAE with stellar international roster

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AKCEL GP Academy today, announced a dynamic line-up of rising stars to compete in the 2025/26 Rotax Max and IAME UAE Karting Championships as part of their inaugural season. The line-up features Atiqa Asif Mir, Rivaan Dev Preetham, Rehan Khan Rasheed, Ridhaan A, Krishay Gutte, and Jagrat Detroja from India, Brando Londono from Canada and Linas Volungevicius from Lithuania.

The AKCEL GP Academy, based at the iconic YAS Marina Circuit, goes beyond racing with 360° driver development; covering technical training, fitness, mental conditioning in partnership with Wishtok for performance and wellness coaching, and career planning, offering a clear, professional roadmap to Formula racing and beyond. The Academy’s state-of-the-art garage experience centre and race-prep facilities are a testament to their vision to become the most advanced, structured, and internationally recognized karting academy in the region, nurturing future racing champions from grassroots.

AKCEL GP Academy is a part of the rapid emergence of UAE as one of the world’s most exciting motorsport destinations, with globally renowned circuits such as Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Autodrome, and by hosting the prestigious Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In 2024, the country’s sports event market generated more than Dh22.8 million in revenue and is projected to surpass Dh44 million by 2030, reflecting an annual growth rate of 11.8 percent. With the global motorsport industry valued at Dh34.9 billion, the UAE’s growing investment in racing innovation and talent development makes the launch of AKCEL GP Academy especially timely and impactful.

Leading the charge, Atiqa Mir has already made history as the first Indian to secure a top-10 finish at the Rotax Euro Trophy. Rivaan Dev Preetham, a two-time national champion, became India’s first race winner at the FIA Motorsport Games, finishing World No. 8 in 2024. Jagrat Detroja also made headlines in Valencia, taking pole position and finishing 5th overall. The next wave of Indian talent includes Rehan Khan Rasheed, holder of fastest laps across all three FMSCI-homologated tracks in Micro Max, and 11-year-old Ridhaan A, who broke into the National Karting Championship top-six on debut. Krishay Gutte adds further promise with consistent performances across Asia and the UAE.

On the international front, Brando Londono, Canada’s most-followed young racer, brings FIA European Karting Championship experience and is preparing his step up to Formula 4. Linas Volungevicius, a front-runner in the Rotax Latvia and Lithuania Championships, impressed with a top-10 finish at the FIA Motorsport Games. Together, these eight drivers form a fearless and ambitious squad set to light up the UAE karting circuit.

“We are thrilled to begin the first season of AKCEL GP Karting Academy, a platform that celebrates talent, passion, and perseverance. More than just racing, AKCEL GP Academy builds future champions and offers young drivers a world-class pathway here in the UAE and beyond. This inaugural season brings together talent from across the globe, proving that motorsport knows no borders. To every young driver: this is just the start of your journey. With hard work and belief, the track ahead has no limits,” declared Amit Kaushal, Chairman, AKCEL Group.

Looking ahead, AKCEL GP Academy plans to expand into European championships by 2027, creating a seamless pathway into the FIA Pyramid from FIA F4, FIA FREC, FIA F3 and FIA F2. Combining world-class infrastructure with a structured career plan, the Academy positions itself as more than a team, it is a talent factory and a gateway to professional motorsport.

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