UAE hosts inaugural Al Ain Equestrian Festival

February 26, 2026 / 11:55 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the inaugural Al Ain Equestrian Festival will begin tomorrow, Friday, at Al Mubazzarah Al Khadra Park and run until 8 March. The festival celebrates equestrian sports as a vital part of Emirati heritage and national identity.

Al Shira’aa International Arabian Horse Show

The festival features the three-day Al Shira’aa International Arabian Horse Show, organised by the Emirates Arabian Horse Society. The championship will showcase 266 purebred Arabian horses, including 27 from abroad, with participation from 157 local and 22 international owners. Classified “A” under the European Conference of Arab Horse Organisations (ECAHO), the event includes male and female qualifying classes and six Gold Championships, highlighting the UAE’s leadership in preserving and developing Arabian horse bloodlines.

Al Shira’aa Show Jumping Championship

The Al Shira’aa Show Jumping Championship starts on Wednesday, 4 March, and continues until Sunday, 8 March. A two-star international event (CSI2), it features 400 horses from 250 participants, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for equestrian sports.

Festival village and heritage experience

Alongside the competitions, the festival includes a dedicated village offering heritage-themed platforms, equestrian equipment outlets, and diverse food options. Visitors can enjoy cultural experiences alongside top-level equestrian events.

Promoting UAE equestrian heritage

Hosting the festival at Al Mubazzarah Al Khadra Park underscores the UAE’s commitment to preserving its equestrian heritage, promoting horsemanship among future generations, and strengthening its international standing in the equestrian world. The event reflects national pride in the country’s rich past and thriving present.