The second edition of The Emirates Jumping Cup and the opening leg of the 2026 Longines League of Nations have begun at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. The event features 203 riders and 313 horses from 37 nations, including top teams from 11 countries. Officials highlighted the UAE's role in hosting major equestrian competitions during a press conference.
The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) announced the commencement of The Emirates Jumping Cup (CSIO5*), running from February 11 to 15, 2026. This event coincides with the first leg of the third season of the Longines League of Nations™, supervised by the FEI and supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, with title sponsorship from Longines.
Participating teams in the Longines League of Nations™ include the UAE national team alongside the United States, Belgium, Ireland, Germany, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, and Brazil. As the initial qualifier, eight teams will advance toward the final, scheduled for October 1-4, 2026, at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain. Future qualifiers are set for Ocala, USA (March 18-22), Rotterdam, Netherlands (June 18-21), and Saint-Tropez, France (September 17-20).
The press conference at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi featured key figures: Sultan AlYehyaei, board member of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation and president of the Show Jumping Committee; Saeed Khalifa Al Muhairi, director of Community Sports at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Aine Power, executive director of Sport and Games at the FEI; Anthony Lowry, equestrian director at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club; and Abdullah Al Naqbi, director of Support Services at the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation.
Veterinary inspections for five-star horses from Europe, the GCC, and the UAE have started. The competition schedule begins Thursday with CSI2* classes at 09:00, a CSIO5* class at 15:30, and the Longines Grand Prix qualifier at 19:00. Friday includes a team parade at 18:00, followed by the first round at 18:30 and second round for the top eight at 21:00. Saturday and Sunday feature youth classes, additional competitions, and the Emirates Jumping Cup finale at 16:00.
Sultan AlYehyaei stated, “These championships reflect the UAE’s continued cooperation with the FEI and confirm our commitment to hosting major global sporting events.” Saeed Khalifa Al Muhairi noted, “The Emirates Jumping Cup and the Longines League of Nations™ underline Abu Dhabi’s ability to organise world-class competitions.” Aine Power added, “The facilities at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club provide an outstanding platform for both athletes and horses.” Anthony Lowry affirmed, “Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club is fully prepared to welcome the riders and horses under the best possible conditions.”
The federation pledged full support to meet international standards.
