Over 130 riders to take part in Abu Dhabi’s International Show Jumping Cup

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Some of the most elite names in international show jumping, along with local riders from UAE have confirmed their entries for the eighth edition of FBMA International Show Jumping Cup, one of the nation’s most prestigious sports events, taking place at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club from Feb.18-20.

This year’s edition is expected to host more than 130 international riders, who will battle for top honours and prize money totaling Dhs525,000.

The FBMA International Show Jumping Cup is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and under the guidance of Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of FBMA, and President of the Abu Dhabi and the Al Ain Ladies Club.

Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy announced the launch of the FBMA International Show Jumping Cup in its eighth edition.

The event represents a distinctive addition to the international sport contests held in Abu Dhabi, enhancing the city’s position as a global capital of sport.

In addition to this unique annual show, a sports photography workshop sponsored by Cavallo will take place throughout the two final days of the event. A total of 20 participants will be given an opportunity to register and take part in this workshop, to benefit from the expertise of the Emirati sports photographer ‘Khaled Al Kendi’.

The academy’s initiatives are in line with the UAE’s vision to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier sporting destination hosting important events, including the annual FBMA International Show Jumping Cup under the name of the Academy.

The show is considered a unique platform that brings together skilled international riders, and allows Emirati talents to benefit from international expertise and work to represent the UAE for more achievements.

Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the world, there has been an increment in the number of participants this year. This is a reflection of the academy’s efforts to encourage Emirati women to practice sports of all kinds. Women are given a chance to raise their sports ambitions to reach international levels and empower them to achieve their goals.

The preventive measures announced by the authorities to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, by setting rules and regulations that oblige all participants to adhere to the following: maintaining social distancing, wearing masks and presenting a negative PCR test result for a period not exceeding 48 hours.

In addition, no spectators will be allowed in the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, to preserve their safety, the safety of the riders and staff in attendance. For those who can’t make it to the showgrounds complimentary live coverage of FBMA International Show Jumping Cup will air on the academies YouTube.