Photo credits: Ruud Overes
Get ready for an exciting adventure in the world of endurance racing as we reveal the long-awaited UAE Endurance Horse Racing Calendar for the 2023-24 season.
With the stunning backdrop of the Arabian Peninsula’s desert landscapes and events ranging from 40km sprints to challenging 119km marathons, this season offers a diverse range of opportunities for riders and equestrian enthusiasts. The full calendar is conveniently available on the UAE Equestrian & Racing Federation website, making it easier than ever to plan your equestrian adventures in the United Arab Emirates. Get ready to explore the stunning landscapes, test your mettle, and experience the magic of endurance racing in the 2023-24 season.
You can also find the showjumping competitions & dressage shows calendar for the 2023-24 season in the UAE at the link above.
The complete endurance racing calendar for 2023-24
Date | Name | Location |
Oct 20 2023 | 40 km Butheeb Endurance Ride | |
Oct 20 2023 | 80 km Butheeb Endurance Qualifier | Butheeb |
Nov 02 2023 | 119 km Seeh Al Salam Endurance Challenge – Open | Dubai |
Nov 04 2023 | 101 km Al Wasl Endurance Ride for Private Stables | Dubai |
Nov 08 2023 | 40 km DIEC Qualifier | Dubai |
Nov 09 2023 | CEI 1* 101 Endurance Qualifier | Dubai |
Nov 11 2023 | CEI 1* 100 km Al Ain Endurance Qualifier | Butheeb |
Nov 11 2023 | CEI 2* 120 km Al Ain Endurance Qualifier | Butheeb |
Nov 12 2023 | 40 km Butheeb Endurance Qualifier | Butheeb |
Nov 12 2023 | 80 km Butheeb Endurance Qualifier | Butheeb |
Dec 03 2023 | 40 km Butheeb Endurance Qualifier | Butheeb |
Dec 03 2023 | 80 km Butheeb Endurance Qualfier | Butheeb |
Endurance races in the UAE: Rule books
Dive into the UAEERF Endurance Rule Book 2021, your guide to the rules and regulations governing national endurance events in the United Arab Emirates. Explore a wealth of information, including an overview of the various types of endurance races. Find out about the essential guidelines for participants, covering the general code of conduct and dress code. Learn about horse welfare and the strict zero-drug policies, ensuring the well-being of our equine partners. Additionally, you’ll find detailed criteria for athlete qualification, stables and trainers registration, and trail maps, allowing you to prepare for your endurance journey effectively. Lastly, the document outlines vet examination procedures, offering a comprehensive resource for all things related to UAE endurance events. It ensures a fair, safe, and thrilling experience for all involved.
Discover the Main FEI Endurance Rule changes (dated from 2020) to explore the evolving landscape of endurance racing. This document covers critical updates, including the classification of different star levels of races, athlete weight requirements (both minimum and maximum), regulations governing horse crew members, and the essential assessment of horse heart rates.
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the welfare of horses, with a particular focus on those participating not only in endurance races but more in general in any equestrian competition. It covers essential guidelines and regulations designed to ensure the well-being, safety, and ethical treatment of these magnificent animals throughout their involvement in various equestrian events.
Register your horse, stable, or as an athlete to participate in endurance races.
This document outlines the essential requirements for resident foreign athletes seeking to be hosted by the UAE and participate in races. It details the necessary documentation and application procedures for foreign athletes looking to join these events, ensuring a smooth process for their participation in the races.
This document presents the criteria for obtaining an endurance trainer license in the UAE, offering valuable information for aspiring trainers. It outlines prerequisites such as the minimum age requirement (21 years old) and the need for the applicant to possess substantial experience in endurance races. Additionally, the athlete will need a ‘no objection’ letter from their stable. Ultimately, it specifies the necessity of an experience certificate from a trainer licensed by the UAEERF, along with other essential criteria. The document also provides insights into the associated fees, a payment of 1000 AED, and guidance on how to submit the application effectively, ensuring that potential trainers meet the necessary qualifications for their license.
This document outlines the requirements for stable registration for endurance races. It includes the need for an official letter, signed by the stable owner, describing the stable’s activities and addressed to the UAEERF. The document also specifies the requirement of having a list of no fewer than 5 horses registered in the UAEERF database, along with other criteria that must be met. Additionally, a stable inspection is required for registration. The document also requests the identity document of the stable owner and their contact information.
Exploring the Rich History of Endurance Racing in the UAE
Endurance racing has deep historical roots in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where it has grown into a sport of great significance and passion. The tradition of long-distance horse riding has been integral to Emirati culture for centuries, dating back to the time when the Bedouin people relied on their sturdy Arabian horses for transportation and survival across the desert.
Endurance racing, as we know it today, emerged in the early 20th century when the UAE’s leaders recognized the need to preserve and celebrate their equestrian heritage. Under the guidance of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, and his love for horses, the sport gained official recognition and support.
The first modern endurance race in the UAE took place in 1992, and since then, the sport has rapidly expanded. Today, the UAE is a global powerhouse in endurance racing, hosting some of the world’s most prestigious events, attracting top riders and horses from across the globe.
The sport is not only a testament to the UAE’s rich equestrian history but also showcases the country’s commitment to preserving its cultural traditions while embracing the global equestrian community. The nation’s dedication to advancing the sport has led to the development of state-of-the-art facilities, stringent regulations, and a strong emphasis on horse welfare.
In the 2023-24 season, the UAE Endurance Horse Racing Calendar promises to continue this legacy of excellence, offering an array of races that celebrate both the country’s rich heritage and its dedication to modern horsemanship. With the mesmerizing desert landscapes as a backdrop, these events pay homage to the Emirati love for horses while embracing the thrill of endurance racing on an international stage.
