UAE Names Show Jumping Team for 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen

The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF) has announced the five horse-and-rider combinations that will represent the United Arab Emirates at the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026, setting the stage for one of the country’s most important international show jumping appearances of the year.

The championship will take place at the iconic Aachen Soers in Germany from 19 to 23 August 2026, bringing together many of the world’s leading riders and horses to compete for individual and team honours.

For the UAE, the championship carries additional importance: Aachen represents the first opportunity to begin securing team qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, with the seven highest-placed eligible teams earning Olympic qualification places.

Five Combinations Selected for the UAE

The UAE squad combines experienced international competitors with emerging Emirati talent.

Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi will compete with Enjoy de la Mure. The 23-year-old Paris 2024 Olympian arrives following an impressive European season that included victory in the CSI3* Grand Prix of Lisbon and second place in the CSI4* Longines Deauville Classic Grand Prix.

He will be joined by Sheikha Latifah bint Ahmed bin Juma Al Maktoum with Cornet XL, bringing considerable championship experience to the UAE squad.

Also selected are Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi with Hudson de Vains, Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi with Foncetti vd Heffinck, and Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi with Flonflon.

Together, the five combinations represent a strong cross-section of UAE show jumping, bringing experience from Olympic Games, Asian Games, Nations Cup, Grand Prix and other major international competitions.

William Funnell Leads the UAE Team

Renowned British horseman William Funnell returns as the UAE’s Chef d’Équipe after overseeing the squad during its European campaign.

Funnell highlighted the consistency and preparation that earned each rider a place on the team, while acknowledging the exceptionally high standard expected in Aachen.

At championship level, the relationship between horse and rider becomes particularly important. Consistency across multiple rounds, careful horse management and the ability to perform under pressure can ultimately determine the outcome.

UAE Show Jumping Continues to Progress

The announcement is another indication of the UAE’s growing ambitions in international show jumping.

Several members of the squad already have significant championship experience. Al Marzooqi won individual silver and team bronze at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, while Al Suwaidi was also part of the UAE team that secured bronze in Hangzhou. Sheikha Latifah has represented the Emirates at the highest levels of international equestrian sport for more than two decades.

The Aachen championship therefore provides another opportunity to build on that international progress.

Eyes on Aachen — and Los Angeles 2028

Competition begins on 19 August with the opening team and individual qualifier. Team medals will be decided on 21 August, followed by the individual final on 23 August.

For the UAE, however, Aachen is about more than one championship.

A strong performance would reinforce the country’s increasingly prominent position in international show jumping while potentially taking an important first step towards Los Angeles 2028.

With five accomplished combinations heading to Germany, attention will now turn to Aachen as the UAE prepares to compete against the world’s best.