The Al Shira’aa Show Jumping Team delivered a commanding performance at the Union Cup in Al Ain on Sunday evening, securing a historic clean sweep of the CSI2* Grand Prix podium. Under the floodlights at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, the Emirati squad demonstrated the strength and depth of their programme with a 1-2-3 finish in the €32,000 competition.
Al Suwaidi Claims Victory with Cjoxx Z
Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi and Cjoxx Z produced a faultless performance to take top honours, stopping the clock at 38.50 seconds in the jump-off. The 37-year-old Olympian, who took over the ride on the talented gelding in August this year, has quickly formed a winning partnership with his mount.
Humaid Abdullah Khalifa Al Mheiri secured second place aboard Foncetti vd Heffinck with a clear round in 40.03 seconds, whilst Abdullah Al Marri completed the podium in third with James v.d. Oude Heihoef, finishing on four faults in 39.93 seconds. Al Marri currently sits 177th in the Longines World Rankings.
Strong Start to UAE International Season
The result marks the second consecutive weekend of success for Al Shira’aa following the Virtus International Show Jumping Cup CSI2*, where Humaid Al Mheiri—ranked 312th in the Longines World Rankings—claimed the Grand Prix win with Foncetti, and Al Suwaidi took third with Cjoxx Z.
Duncan Inglis, Assistant Trainer for Al Shira’aa, praised the team’s consistency: “After two podium results last week at the start of the international season in the UAE, I was very proud of our Emirati riders for all being on the podium this week—it’s a real testament to the fantastic system implemented by HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Al Nahyan.”
Building Momentum Towards 2026
Following his third-place finish in last week’s Grand Prix, Al Suwaidi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the highest level. “It’s been a great start to the UAE season after being third in last week’s Grand Prix,” he said. “This is just the beginning in preparation for our goals in 2026.”
The Olympic rider credited the support structure behind Al Shira’aa’s success: “The team behind Al Shira’aa—and my family—play a huge role in every success.”
Looking Ahead to Major Competitions
The strong early-season form positions Al Shira’aa’s riders well as they prepare for a packed calendar of prestigious competitions in 2026. The team will compete at numerous CSI4* and CSI5* events, including the Al Shira’aa International Show from 20th to 25th January and the Longines League of Nations™ from 11th to 15th February.
The Al Shira’aa programme, founded by HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, continues to develop elite Emirati talent and has become a significant force in international show jumping. The team’s recent performances demonstrate the effectiveness of their training system and the quality of horses within their stable.
With two consecutive CSI2* Grand Prix victories and a complete podium sweep, Al Shira’aa has announced its intentions for the 2026 season in emphatic fashion. The combination of experienced Olympians like Al Suwaidi and rising talent such as Al Mheiri suggests the team will be a formidable presence on the international circuit in the months ahead.
