Global showjumping elite to compete at UAE President Cup with record AED 3.24 million prize pool
Abu Dhabi is set to take centre stage on the international equestrian calendar this January as the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC) hosts the UAE President’s Cup International Showjumping from January 7 to 11, 2026. The five-day event will feature elite competition, international riders and an enhanced spectator experience, backed by the largest prize pool ever offered for showjumping in the UAE.
With total prize money of AED 3.24 million, the championship represents the highest-value CSI5* showjumping event in the country. It will bring together top-ranked global riders, world-class horses and leading patrons of the sport, competing under the supervision of the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation.
Hosted at the historic Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, founded in 1976, the UAE President’s Cup underscores ADEC’s longstanding role in developing equestrian sport in the region and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a global hub for elite showjumping.
The championship will feature three international competitions running concurrently: a CSI5* event with total prize money of €718,000 (approximately AED 2.85 million), a CSI2* competition offering €74,000 (around AED 295,000), and a CSIYH1* category for young horses with prize money of €20,000 (about AED 80,000). Organisers said the multi-tiered format reflects ADEC’s commitment to nurturing the sport at all levels while expanding its global reach.
A strong international line-up of FEI-ranked riders is expected, including Daniel Deusser, Emanuele Gaudiano, Henrik von Eckermann, Janika Sprunger, Joe Stockdale and Abdel-Qader Saïd.
The five-star event will take place across ADEC’s 54-acre equestrian and lifestyle destination, which features FEI-standard indoor and outdoor arenas, air-conditioned stables, grass paddocks focused on horse welfare, an on-site veterinary clinic and extensive training and hacking tracks.
Beyond the sporting action, spectators can look forward to a wide range of hospitality and entertainment offerings. These include premium hospitality experiences, curated food and beverage pop-ups at The Arcades Courtyard, family-friendly activities, equestrian experiences for children, live entertainment and a closing ceremony.
Organisers said the UAE President’s Cup Showjumping is designed as a full-scale entertainment and lifestyle event, combining elite sport with curated experiences over five days. From high-level competition to hospitality and family-focused activities, the event aims to celebrate equestrian excellence while offering memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
