Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Calendar
The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Calendar 2026/2027 offers an exciting programme of international show jumping, dressage and equestrian competitions in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi has established itself as an important destination for horse lovers, professional riders and visitors interested in the region’s long-standing equestrian traditions.
From prestigious international show jumping championships to national dressage competitions and major horse racing events, the capital offers a diverse equestrian calendar. The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Abu Dhabi Turf Club play important roles in this sporting landscape, combining modern facilities with the UAE’s rich heritage of Arabian horses.
This guide introduces the main events, confirmed dates and highlights of the 2026/2027 season, while explaining what visitors should know before attending an equestrian event in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club is one of the capital’s established equestrian institutions. It provides facilities for riding and competitive equestrian sports and hosts national and international events.
Its programme includes show jumping and dressage competitions, attracting riders and horses from the UAE and abroad.
The club reflects the importance of horses in Arabian culture while supporting the development of modern equestrian sports.
Visitors should distinguish between the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club’s show jumping and dressage calendar and the horse racing programme organised at Abu Dhabi Turf Club.
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Calendar 2026/2027
The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Calendar for the 2026/2027 season includes several major international competitions alongside national events.
The following dates are based on the published official programme. As schedules may change, visitors should confirm the latest information with the organisers before attending.
October 2026 – National Show Jumping Championship
24–25 October 2026: The season includes a National Show Jumping Championship at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
This competition provides an opportunity to watch riders and horses compete over courses requiring precision, athleticism and technical skill.
December 2026 – National Dressage Show
13 December 2026: A National Dressage Show is scheduled at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
Dressage focuses on the communication between horse and rider, with competitors performing carefully controlled movements that demonstrate balance, training and harmony.
January 2027 – International Show Jumping
January is one of the most important months in the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Calendar 2026/2027, featuring several international competitions.
6–10 January 2027: The FEI Jumping World Cup Qualifier CSI5*-W brings international show jumping competition to Abu Dhabi.
13–17 January 2027: The CSI5* President’s Cup features leading international riders and horses competing at a high level.
19–24 January 2027: Another FEI Jumping World Cup Qualifier, classified CSI4*-W, is scheduled to take place.
These events highlight Abu Dhabi’s growing international reputation as a destination for professional equestrian sports.
February 2027 – Dressage and Longines League of Nations
4–6 February 2027: An FEI International Dressage Show is scheduled at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
10–14 February 2027: The Longines League of Nations brings elite international team show jumping to Abu Dhabi.
20 February 2027: A further National Dressage Show is included in the season’s programme.
The Longines League of Nations is particularly significant because it brings together leading national teams in a prestigious international show jumping competition.
March 2027 – FEI Dressage World Challenge
26–27 March 2027: The FEI Dressage World Challenge is scheduled at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
The event provides another opportunity to experience competitive dressage and appreciate the technical relationship between horses and riders.
Horse Racing in Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi Turf Club
Alongside the equestrian competitions at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, the capital also has a well-established horse racing tradition.
The Abu Dhabi Turf Club hosts races for Purebred Arabian horses and Thoroughbreds. Its racing programme is separate from the show jumping and dressage events listed above.
The Emirates Racing Authority has announced 16 race meetings at Abu Dhabi Turf Club for the 2026/2027 UAE racing season, beginning on 22 October 2026.
The programme includes important racing fixtures that attract owners, trainers, jockeys and spectators from the UAE and internationally.
UAE President Cup – 12 December 2026
One of the major highlights of the Abu Dhabi racing season is the UAE President Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses, scheduled for 12 December 2026.
The race carries prize money of AED 8 million and is among the prestigious competitions for Purebred Arabian horses.
It reflects the important place of Arabian horse racing in the UAE’s sporting and cultural heritage.
Abu Dhabi Gold Cup – 7 February 2027
Another important event is the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup, scheduled for 7 February 2027.
The race offers prize money of US$1 million and is designed to attract competitive Thoroughbreds from international racing jurisdictions.
Together, these major events illustrate the variety and international ambitions of horse racing in Abu Dhabi.
Arabian Horses and Equestrian Heritage
Horses have occupied a special place in Arabian culture for centuries. The Arabian horse is admired for its endurance, distinctive appearance and historical connection with life in the desert.
In the United Arab Emirates, horse breeding, riding and racing remain important parts of the country’s cultural heritage.
Modern equestrian competitions build on this tradition while introducing international sporting standards, professional training and advanced facilities.
The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Abu Dhabi Turf Club therefore represent different but complementary aspects of the emirate’s equestrian culture.
Show Jumping, Dressage and Horse Racing
Visitors exploring the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Calendar may encounter several different equestrian disciplines.
Show Jumping
Show jumping requires horse and rider to complete a course of obstacles while avoiding faults. Speed, accuracy, coordination and jumping ability are important elements of the competition.
Dressage
Dressage involves a series of controlled movements performed by the horse in response to the rider’s instructions. Judges assess the quality, precision and harmony of the performance.
Horse Racing
Horse racing focuses on speed and performance over a specified distance. At Abu Dhabi Turf Club, spectators can watch competitions involving Purebred Arabian horses and Thoroughbreds.
Each discipline offers a different perspective on the skills, training and athletic abilities of horses.
Visiting Abu Dhabi Equestrian Events
Attending an equestrian competition in Abu Dhabi can be an interesting experience for residents and international visitors alike.
Before visiting, it is advisable to check the official event schedule, starting times, ticket availability and any admission requirements.
Some competitions may offer different spectator areas or hospitality arrangements, depending on the event and venue.
Visitors should also remember that the equestrian season is concentrated largely in the cooler months, although individual events and schedules may vary.
Casino Abu Dhabi – Entertainment Beyond Equestrian Sports
Abu Dhabi offers many entertainment experiences beyond horse racing and equestrian competitions. Visitors can explore cultural landmarks, luxury hotels, restaurants, shopping destinations and attractions on Yas Island.
Our independent information website, Casino Abu Dhabi, also covers developments in casino tourism and commercial gaming regulation in the United Arab Emirates.
It is important to distinguish between the availability of international online gambling websites and gaming activities officially authorised in the UAE. A foreign casino licence does not automatically provide permission to offer gambling services in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Calendar – Tradition and International Sport
The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Calendar 2026/2027 demonstrates the capital’s continuing commitment to equestrian sports and Arabian horse heritage.
From national competitions and international show jumping to dressage and prestigious horse racing events, Abu Dhabi offers a varied programme for enthusiasts and visitors.
The combination of traditional Arabian horse culture, modern facilities and international competitions makes the emirate an important destination in the equestrian world.
Whether you are an experienced rider, a horse racing enthusiast or a visitor interested in discovering a different side of Abu Dhabi, the equestrian season provides opportunities to experience one of the UAE’s most established sporting traditions.
Tagged with: Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Calendar