Abu Dhabi's Record Prize Lures Global Showjumping Elite

ABU DHABI, UAE – December 29, 2025 – The global equestrian world is turning its gaze to Abu Dhabi, as the emirate prepares to host the UAE President's Cup International Showjumping from January 7-11, 2026. The prestigious event, held at the historic Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC), is set to make history with a record-breaking prize pool of AED 3.24 million, the largest ever offered for a showjumping competition in the United Arab Emirates.

This significant investment underscores a bold strategy to cement Abu Dhabi's position not just as a regional leader, but as a global powerhouse in elite equestrian sports. The five-day championship, held under the supervision of the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), will bring together a formidable lineup of top-ranked international riders, world-class horses, and influential patrons of the sport for a showcase of precision, power, and partnership.

A New Benchmark for Middle Eastern Equestrianism

The staggering AED 3.24 million prize fund is a clear statement of intent. The competition is structured across three tiers to foster development at every level: a premier CSI5* competition with a purse of €718,000 (approx. AED 2.85 million), a CSI2* category offering €74,000 (approx. AED 295,000), and a CSIYH1* event for promising young horses with €20,000 (approx. AED 80,000).

While this total prize makes the President's Cup the most lucrative showjumping event in UAE history, it also places it firmly on the world stage. Though the purses for single Grand Prix classes at legendary venues like Spruce Meadows in Canada or CHIO Aachen in Germany can reach higher figures, the President's Cup's offering is substantial enough to attract the sport's biggest names. The event's prize money is highly competitive and signals Abu Dhabi's ambition to rival established stops on the international circuit.

This investment is a key component of Abu Dhabi's broader economic diversification strategy, which identifies sports tourism as a crucial growth sector. By hosting high-caliber events that draw international athletes, media, and affluent spectators, the emirate stimulates its hospitality, retail, and service industries. The influx of visitors for the President's Cup is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, reinforcing the city's brand as a destination for both elite sport and luxury experiences.

A Clash of Titans: World Champions to Compete

The allure of prestige and a record prize has attracted an exceptional field of athletes. The confirmed entry list reads like a who's who of modern showjumping, promising a thrilling contest for the coveted title. Among the stars set to compete is Sweden's Henrik von Eckermann, a dominant force in the sport who has held the world number one ranking for over two years and boasts a collection of Olympic and World Championship gold medals.

He will be challenged by riders of equal caliber, including Germany's Daniel Deusser, a former world number one, Olympic bronze medalist, and winner of the prestigious FEI World Cup Final. The international roster also features Italian speed specialist Emanuele Gaudiano, Swiss Olympian Janika Sprunger, Britain's rising star Joe Stockdale, and Egyptian champion Abdel-Qader Saïd, ensuring a truly global and fiercely competitive five days of jumping.

The presence of such decorated athletes is a testament to the event's growing stature. Attracting and retaining this level of talent requires more than just prize money; it demands a venue and an organizational standard that meets the highest international benchmarks, a challenge the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club has demonstrably met.

Beyond the Arena: A Spectacle of Sport and Lifestyle

Organizers have meticulously designed the UAE President's Cup to be more than just an athletic competition; it is a full-scale entertainment and lifestyle festival. The event unfolds at ADEC's sprawling 54-acre state-of-the-art facility, a venue that prioritizes the welfare of its equine athletes with FEI-standard indoor and outdoor arenas, air-conditioned stables, and lush grass paddocks.

For spectators, the experience is crafted to be equally exceptional. While general admission is free to encourage widespread attendance, a host of premium options are available. The Horsemen's Lounge offers elevated viewing and hospitality, while The Arcades Courtyard will feature a curated selection of food and beverage pop-ups from popular eateries like Homebakery and Espresso Lab.

Beyond the culinary delights, the event promises a packed program of family-friendly activities, live musical performances, and exclusive merchandise. This holistic approach aims to create an immersive atmosphere that appeals to dedicated equestrian enthusiasts, families seeking a unique day out, and tourists looking for a taste of Abu Dhabi's vibrant cultural and sporting scene. It is a celebration of elegance and excellence, blending the thrill of top-tier sport with the sophistication of a luxury lifestyle event.

Cultivating a Legacy: ADEC's Vision for the Future

Established in 1976, the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club has long been a foundational pillar of horse sports in the UAE. This event is the latest chapter in its enduring mission to not only host world-class competitions but also to cultivate the sport from the ground up. The inclusion of the CSI2* and young horse (CSIYH1*) competitions is central to this vision.

These categories provide a vital platform for up-and-coming riders and the next generation of equine superstars to gain experience in a high-stakes, international environment. By running these competitions alongside the elite CSI5*, ADEC creates a powerful pathway for development, inspiring local and regional talent while fostering a sustainable ecosystem for equestrianism.

This multi-tiered approach demonstrates a long-term commitment that extends beyond the glamour of a single event. It is about building a lasting legacy, nurturing the UAE's rich equestrian heritage, and ensuring that Abu Dhabi remains a central and influential hub for the sport for decades to come. As the world's best prepare to jump for glory, the UAE President's Cup stands as a symbol of both present ambition and future promise.