The 18th edition of the Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival is underway, building towards its headline race on 1 April at Dubai International Endurance City.
Organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club in cooperation with the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, the festival remains one of the leading events of the endurance racing season.
The event also reflects the continued support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, for endurance riding – a sport in which His Highness has achieved notable international success.
It further highlights the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in advancing equestrian sport and strengthening endurance racing at both local and international levels.
Sara Mohammed Abdulwahid wins opening ladies race
The festival opened with a strong performance from Sara Mohammed Abdulwahid, who claimed top honours in the 120km ladies’ race at Seih Al Salam.
The four-day programme continues with the Al Yamamah Endurance Cup for Mares, followed by the Endurance Ride for Private Stables. The event will conclude on 1 April with the Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Cup, sponsored by Emaar Properties.
Prize fund and structure of the Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival races
The organising committee has allocated more than AED5 million in prize money.
This will be distributed across multiple categories:
- Top 17 finishers in the Ladies and Al Yamamah races
- Top 30 finishers in the Private Stables race and main event
Leadership highlights importance of endurance sport
Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Equestrian Club, expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for their continued support of equestrian sport.
He noted that this support remains fundamental to the development and growth of endurance racing, adding that the 18th edition is expected to be one of the most memorable to date.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Rashid Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, highlighted the festival’s position as a leading event on the global endurance calendar.
Dr. Ghanem Al Hajeri, Secretary General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, also emphasised the role of leadership support in sustaining the sport’s development both locally and internationally.
Continued growth of the festival
Ahmed Al Matrooshi, Board Member and Executive Director of Emaar Properties, highlighted the growth of the festival since its launch in 2009.
He noted that the event continues to celebrate the UAE’s equestrian heritage while strengthening its position on the global stage.
In the previous edition, Majed Jamal Al Muhairi secured victory for F3 Stables with a time of 4:10:51. Rashid Mohammed Atiq Al Muhairi finished second, while Melina Mendez took third place representing M7 Stables.
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