International show jumping is set to take centre stage in the UAE this January as the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show returns for its 9th edition from 20–25 January 2026. This year marks a major milestone for the event, which will be hosted at a new venue: Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi.
Held under the Honorary Presidency of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the show has become one of the Middle East’s standout fixtures for elite sport, while continuing to provide opportunities for developing riders and young horses.
Organisers expect more than 350 horses and 150 riders from Europe, the Middle East and beyond, competing across six days for a combined prize fund of over €700,000.
The international schedule includes a broad range of FEI classes, reflecting the show’s aim of supporting the sport at every level. Alongside top-level competition, the programme also features:
- CSI4-W* and CSI2*
- CSI Young Horses
- CSI Under 25
- CSI Juniors and CSI Children
- CSI Amateurs
The sporting programme builds towards the show’s pinnacle event on Sunday 25 January at 18:30, with the Al Shira’aa Longines CSI4-W FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix*. The class is set to be contested over two rounds at 1.55–1.60m, bringing high-stakes competition to the final evening.
The show also includes several popular arena highlights supported by long-standing partners, including the Al Futtaim Ride & Drive and the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Speed Derby, an evening speed class inspired by one of show jumping’s most iconic formats.
The Abu Dhabi show forms part of the wider Al Shira’aa Tour, a global platform designed to support equestrian sport across all levels while showcasing historic and world-class competitions on the international calendar.
