Al-Watan Club GM: UAE President’s Cup in Libya is a World-Class Equestrian Event
Ali Al-Anizi, General Manager of the Al-Watan Shooting and Equestrian Club in Benghazi, Libya, confirmed that preparations are well underway—with all structural and logistical details now finalized—to host a distinguished edition of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses. This 17th edition, part of the prestigious, long-running UAE President’s Cup series (now in its 33rd year), is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026. Al-Anizi highlighted the significance of this event within the series, which has proven highly successful and impactful across the global Arabian horse racing community.
Al-Anizi also expressed his gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for its steadfast support of Arabian horses across all disciplines—most notably in speed racing, which has seen tremendous global development thanks to the continuous backing of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose contributions have made a profound difference in the advancement of these races worldwide. Al-Anizi stated: “The UAE President’s Cup for Arabian Horses, in its renewed edition in Libya, embodies both the form and substance of the deep-rooted relations between Libya and the UAE—nations that share a vital component of Arab identity and national heritage. The organization of this race, as part of the third Libya Heritage Carnival, highlights the equestrian traditions of Libya—a country with a long-standing equestrian history and a present defined by significant national achievements in the field. This is particularly evident in the major successes attained by Libyan riders and horses in regional speed races across the Maghreb, as well as in show jumping, alongside the notable success of the ‘Al-Watan’ Championship for Arabian Horse Beauty, held just recently.”
Ali Al-Anizi concluded his remarks by saying: “Libyan equestrianism—which continues to rise in stature across all its disciplines—has found steadfast support through the unlimited backing and the enhancement of its material and moral resources provided by the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the General Command, General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, who also serves as the President of the Al-Watan Shooting Club. We remain deeply committed to fostering equestrian sports, supporting those involved in the sector, and catering to its enthusiasts. This commitment follows the directives of his wise leadership, which has transformed equestrianism into a national showcase—one that extends from Libya to the global stage with a level of excellence befitting our nation’s status, history, and future.” The Higher Organizing Committee for the HH the President of the UAE Cup series for Purebred Arabian horses—supported by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court—announced in early April the agenda for the 33rd edition, scheduled for 2026. The series will feature 19 rounds across four continents, with a total prize purse of AED 20 million for the winners.
The Committee stated that this upcoming edition further cements the Cup’s status as the most valuable and extensive Arabian horse racing series in history. This follows the remarkable success of the previous season (the 32nd edition), which set new records: 354 horses participated in the races, drawing a total audience of over 400,000 spectators at some of the world’s most prestigious racetracks. Furthermore, the series’ digital content reached a massive audience, garnering over 500 million views. These achievements provide a solid foundation for the new edition to reach even greater heights.
The Committee also noted that this landmark edition and its substantial prize pool reflect the UAE’s ongoing commitment to supporting owners and breeders. It upholds the vision established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan—may he rest in peace—to preserve the Arabian horse as a symbol of identity, culture, and heritage. Through its geographical expansion across four continents—Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa—the series aims to foster a competitive environment that ensures the sustainability of this historic sport. It is worth noting that Libyan equestrianism tasted the glory of success in the previous edition of the UAE President’s Cup for Arabian Horses, when the horse ‘Afjan’—owned by the Libyan ‘Dhat Al-Rimal’ stables—clinched the title of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses, held at the very same venue: the Al-Watan Shooting and Equestrian Club in Benghazi.
