Azizi Developments sponsors HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Ladies for ninth consecutive year

Azizi Developments, one of the UAE’s leading private real estate developers, has once again sponsored the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Ladies, marking its ninth consecutive year of support for the event.

The 120-kilometre Ladies’ endurance ride formed part of the 19th edition of the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, which took place on January 6 at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam. The race opened the five-day festival, one of the most prominent fixtures on the global endurance riding calendar.

Held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the festival continues to attract elite riders and stables from the UAE and abroad, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a leading international hub for equestrian sport.

Over the years, the Ladies’ endurance ride has become a highly competitive contest, bringing together accomplished female riders and world-class endurance horses. The event plays a key role in providing women with a strong platform in equestrian sport while further elevating the international profile of endurance riding.

The winners were awarded by Mr. Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Group, and Mr. Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Group. Milena Mendez of Argentina claimed first place aboard Goldstream of M7 Endurance Stables, earning a prize of AED 200,000. UAE riders Shamma Darwish M. Ali bin Sulaiman Alshihi finished second on SW Ikram, receiving AED 180,000, while Sara Mohammed Abdulwahed Hasan Ahmed secured third place on Rushoz Lieutenant of ABH Endurance, earning AED 160,000. Both runners-up represented M7 Endurance Stables.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Mr. Farhad Azizi said the company was proud to continue its long-standing association with the endurance festival, describing it as one of the most prestigious events in the global endurance calendar. He added that equestrianism is deeply rooted in the UAE’s culture and heritage, and that Dubai continues to demonstrate world-class leadership in hosting international sporting events.

Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC), highlighted the festival’s growing stature, crediting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his vision and unwavering support for endurance riding. He noted that the multi-race festival has expanded significantly over the years, attracting strong competition from stables and riders representing numerous countries.

Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, Deputy General Manager of DEC, said the current edition of the festival is expected to be among the most exciting to date, reflecting Sheikh Mohammed’s continued role as one of the sport’s leading supporters in the UAE and internationally.

The HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival features four major races, beginning with the Ladies’ ride on January 6, followed by the 120km Private Stables competition on January 7, the 120km Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares on January 8, and concluding with the 160km HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup on January 10.

Through its ongoing sponsorship, Azizi Developments aims to support the growth of equestrian sport, encourage wider participation, and highlight Dubai’s rich sporting legacy on the global stage.