The UAE equestrian calendar now has confirmed dates stretching from October 2026 into April 2027. The approved programme brings together Arabian horse championships, endurance rides, show jumping, dressage and 16 Thursday race meetings at Abu Dhabi Racecourse.
For spectators, the main challenge is not finding an event. It is understanding how the disciplines differ and knowing which date deserves a place in the calendar. Ticketing and final visitor details are not yet published for every meeting, so this is a planning guide rather than a promise of admission.
The season begins in October
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club opens the listed programme with a local show jumping championship on 24 and 25 October. Show jumping is the most immediately readable discipline for a new spectator, with horse and rider completing a course of fences while trying to avoid faults.
The Arabian horse championship calendar begins soon after. The Emirates Arabian Horse Society National Arabian Horse Championship takes place on 27 and 28 October, followed by the UAE National Arabian Horse Championship from 30 October through 2 November.
These championships focus on the qualities and presentation of Arabian horses rather than a timed race. Visitors interested in breeding, movement and the appearance of the breed may prefer them to a track meeting.
Endurance dates at Al Wathba
The Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba hosts the Union Day Cup over 120 kilometres on 29 November. The Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup for private owners follows on 12 December over 100 kilometres.
January brings several major rides. The Sheikha Fatima Bint Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Cup takes place on 16 January, followed the next day by the Sheikh Mohammed bin Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup for private stables. Both are scheduled over 100 kilometres.
The Emirates Arabian Horse Global Cup is set for 24 January, while the UAE President’s Endurance Cup over 160 kilometres is scheduled for 31 January. Endurance events run over long distances and can begin early, so spectators should check access, start time and viewing arrangements before travelling to Al Wathba.
Race meetings at Abu Dhabi Racecourse
Abu Dhabi Racecourse will hold 16 meetings on Thursdays during the national season. The approved programme highlights the President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses on 12 December and the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup on 7 February.
Flat racing is the best fit for visitors who want a compact evening of several races. A race meeting normally contains multiple contests rather than one main event, although the final card and entry details should be checked closer to the date.
The announcement confirms the number and regular Thursday pattern but does not publish every race meeting date or public ticket arrangement. Use the racecourse’s current calendar before making travel plans.
Show jumping and dressage highlights
After the local October championship, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club hosts a local dressage event on 13 December and an Arabian horse beauty championship from 1 to 3 January.
The FEI Jumping World Cup runs from 6 to 10 January, followed by the UAE President’s Cup Showjumping from 13 to 17 January. International dressage is scheduled from 4 to 6 February, with the Longines League of Nations taking place from 10 to 14 February.
A local dressage championship follows on 20 February. The FEI Dressage World Challenge is set for 26 and 27 March. Dressage rewards control, precision and communication between horse and rider, so it has a quieter rhythm than show jumping or racing.
Arabian horse championships through April
The Emirates Arabian Horse Society National Championship in Al Dhafra takes place from 25 to 27 December. The Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Championship follows from 18 to 21 February.
The spring programme includes the Emirates Arabian Horse Breeders Championship from 5 to 8 April, then the Arab Breeders Championship on 10 and 11 April. These dates give breeders and enthusiasts several chances to follow the championship season rather than treating it as one event.
March also closes the main listed endurance programme with the Abu Dhabi Festival. A 100 kilometre ladies ride is scheduled for 26 March alongside a 40 kilometre Masters Games race. Events for private owners follow on 27 March, before the 120 kilometre Abu Dhabi Festival Endurance Cup on 28 March.
How to choose and prepare
Choose the discipline before choosing the date. Families new to equestrian sport may find show jumping or a race meeting easier to follow. People interested in heritage and breeding may prefer an Arabian horse championship. Endurance suits visitors who want to understand long distance horsemanship but requires more planning.
Check the organiser’s official page during the week of the event for the start time, admission, parking, seating and any dress or photography rules. Outdoor conditions can change, and some sporting dates may be adjusted for operational or weather reasons.
Arrive early enough to find the correct entrance without disturbing horses or working areas. Keep children close, stay behind barriers and avoid flash photography unless the venue clearly permits it. The calmest visitor usually gets the clearest view of how horse and rider work together.
Questions people often ask
When does the listed equestrian season begin?
The first event in the approved programme is a local show jumping championship on 24 and 25 October 2026.
Where are the endurance races held?
The listed endurance programme takes place at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.
How many meetings will Abu Dhabi Racecourse host?
The approved programme includes 16 Thursday race meetings during the national season.
What are the main January show jumping dates?
The FEI Jumping World Cup runs from 6 to 10 January, followed by the UAE President’s Cup Showjumping from 13 to 17 January 2027.
Are tickets available for every event now?
Ticket and admission details were not included for every meeting in the programme announcement. Check the relevant organiser before travelling.
