Sheikh Mansour Highlights UAE’s Global Leadership in Equestrian Sports
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reaffirmed that sport remains a key pillar of the United Arab Emirates’ comprehensive development journey, reflecting the vision of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to strengthen the role of sport as a driver of social development, human development and global competitiveness.
Sheikh Mansour, who serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, said that sport represents an investment in people, supporting the development of individual capabilities and enabling Emirati athletes to compete successfully at the international level.
Highlighting the significance of equestrian sports, Sheikh Mansour said they are deeply connected to the UAE’s national identity and cultural heritage. He noted that equestrianism represents a proud Arab tradition and serves as both a sporting and cultural legacy, inspired by the vision of the late Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who promoted the values of horsemanship and sports among generations of Emiratis.
He emphasized that the UAE’s continued support for endurance riding has enabled the discipline to achieve a prominent position in international competitions. Over decades of participation in global endurance championships, Emirati riders have secured numerous successes, establishing the country as one of the world’s leading nations in the sport.
Sheikh Mansour noted that the UAE enjoys strong international confidence in its ability to host major sporting events according to the highest professional standards and global best practices.
He said this confidence reflects the country’s successful record in organizing international championships and sporting events over many years, supported by strong leadership and world-class infrastructure.
Sheikh Mansour highlighted that Abu Dhabi’s successful bid to host the 2026 FEI Endurance World Championship at the Butheeb International Endurance Village represents international recognition of the UAE’s capabilities and its readiness to organize one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events.
He said Abu Dhabi’s advanced infrastructure, extensive organizational expertise and integrated facilities for elite endurance riders continue to strengthen the capital’s position as a global center for equestrian sports.
Expressing confidence in the UAE’s male and female riders, Sheikh Mansour said they possess the ability to achieve outstanding results at the championship. He attributed this confidence to the leadership’s continuous support for athletes and the comprehensive system established to identify talent, improve performance and maintain the UAE’s leading position in endurance riding.
He added that the achievement reflects the trust of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the wider international sporting community in the UAE.
Sheikh Mansour stressed that hosting world-class championships demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to advancing endurance riding globally and organizing sporting events that meet the highest international standards, further enhancing the country’s reputation as a premier destination for international sports.
