UAE Begins FEI Jumping World Championship Campaign in Aachen

Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi finishes in 10th place after opening day as UAE riders take on the world’s best

The UAE Show Jumping Team began its FEI Jumping World Championship Aachen 2026 campaign on Wednesday, with Paris 2024 Olympian Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi producing a superb clear round aboard Enjoy de la Mure to finish the opening day in 10th place individually.

The first UAE combination into the arena was Sheikha Latifah bint Ahmed bin Juma Al Maktoum with Cornet XL, ninth to start in the competition. A trailblazer for UAE equestrian sport and the first Emirati woman to compete in showjumping at the Olympic Games, Sheikha Latifah returned to the World Championship stage with the 10-year-old gelding, finishing with one fence down and a total time of 83.42 seconds.

Reflecting on her opening performance, Sheikha Latifah said she was pleased with how Cornet XL responded despite an early mistake.

“I’m very happy with how he went in the circumstances. We had an early pole, but I’m really happy with how we finished and I think we’ll have a good second round and get better from here.

“I’ve had him for three years. Normally he’s more forward than today, but we know what we need to do now.”

Next into the Main Stadium for the UAE was Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi with Foncetti vd Heffinck, who endured an unfortunate opening round with four fences down to finish with a total time of 92.83 seconds.

The UAE’s penultimate combination, Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi and Enjoy de la Mure, delivered the standout performance of the day for the Emirates. The pair jumped a flawless clear in 72.62 seconds, earning Omar a place inside the top 10 heading into the second competition.

Speaking after his round, Omar praised his horse and the conditions at Aachen, while keeping the team’s Olympic ambitions firmly in sight.

“Enjoy felt amazing today. The team are jumping well and we’re still a very young team. The course was really welcoming and rode like it walked. The ground is fantastic and Aachen has done a great job with the organisation.

“We’re here to chase team qualification, but if that doesn’t go to plan, we always have Plan B.”

The final UAE combination into the arena was Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi with Flonflon, entering the Main Stadium just as a heavy downpour swept across Aachen. Competing in his first FEI Jumping World Championship, Salim completed his round with two fences down and a total time of 85.76 seconds.

Despite the challenging conditions, Salim said it was an honour to represent the UAE on one of the biggest stages in international showjumping. Visit the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation

“This is my first World Championship and I’m honoured to be here representing my country. It didn’t quite go as I’d hoped today, but I’m here jumping the toughest course of my career to date against the world’s best riders.

“It could have been better; it could have been worse. The horse finished safely and, inshallah, tomorrow will be a better day for us.”

Attention now turns to Thursday 20 August, when the UAE returns to the Aachen Main Stadium for the second competition, with the Mercedes-Benz Prize getting underway at 09:00 CEST.

The UAE’s next generation of showjumping talent will also take centre stage on Friday 21 August, when two 17-year-old riders compete in the international Young Riders competition (CSIY) being held alongside the World Championships.

Mohammad Saeed Al Ghurair, ranked 147th in the FEI U25 Rankings (August 2026), will partner Etoile de Beliard following a top-10 finish in Šamorín last week, while fellow 17-year-old Mabkhout Owaida Alkirbi rides Diabla PS, with the pair arriving in Aachen after securing a top-five finish in Kronenberg.

Their participation continues to highlight the growing depth of emerging Emirati talent competing alongside the senior national team at one of the sport’s most prestigious championship venues.

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