Al Raisi: «Boudhib» will present an exceptional version of the World Cup

Elegant opening ceremony of the World Endurance Championship at Emirates Palace

  • Al Raisi speaking during the opening yesterday. Cinematographer: Najeeb Mohamed

  • UAE Team Emirates during the queue for the presentation of the participating teams. Cinematographer: Najeeb Mohamed

  • The British team involved in the World Cup. Cinematographer: Najeeb Mohamed

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Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, President of the Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Endurance World Cup, praised the unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in providing all forms of support to equestrian sport in general and endurance in particular, during the opening ceremony of the World Endurance Championship at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, yesterday, in the presence of Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State.

During the opening speech, Al Raisi said: "The UAE, with the vision of the wise leadership, consolidates its position with the best standards and practices," pointing out that "the capital Abu Dhabi has become the first destination for global events in all fields."

He explained: "The great support provided by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to equestrian sports in general and ability in particular, contributed to the arrival of this sport to an unprecedented high position, thanks to the great support of (Knight of Arabia) and his interest in providing all means of success for this sport."

The Higher Organising Committee, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, held an elegant opening ceremony, which began with the national anthem, followed by a parade queue for the participating countries, followed by various horse shows inspired by the heritage of the UAE and equestrian sports, in addition to dazzling drone shows.

Organised by the Emirates Equestrian Federation, 125 elite riders from 36 countries will compete in individual and team competitions, with each team consisting of five riders, starting from the village of Boutheeb for a distance of 160 km.

The UAE won the right to host the 2022 World Endurance Championship at the Butheeb International Endurance Village in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the leading position of the UAE and Abu Dhabi in hosting major global events.

The 160km World Endurance Championship will be held in six stages, the first 31 km, the second 29.9 km, the third 30 km, the fourth 29 km, the fifth 20.10 km, and the sixth stage 20 km.

Al Raisi also affirmed: "The tournament received great support from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court and honorary president of the tournament, from the first moment of submitting the bid to host this global event, until the announcement of the International Equestrian Federation that the village of Boutheeb will have the honor of organizing the tournament for the first time, by providing all means of success to present the UAE with an exceptional version unprecedented in the history of the world championships."

He added: "Boutheeb Village is able to organize an exceptional tournament with unprecedented specifications, especially since the UAE has a good reputation in organizing major international tournaments, and the infrastructure that characterizes Boutheeb International Village makes it qualified to present a wonderful tournament."

He concluded his remarks by saying: "The FEI has great confidence in hosting and succeeding the global event in Abu Dhabi, the home of world championships, at the highest level and in the best image, and we wish success to all riders in general and UAE riders in particular in achieving the world title."

• The opening ceremony of the World Cup featured a variety of horse performances, inspired by the UAE's heritage and equestrian sport.

• 160 km race race in which 125 elite riders from 36 countries participate.

Checking the horse's heartbeat and veterinary examination before World Cup

Dr. Ali Tweisi, Head of the Veterinary Department at the Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation and Chairman of the Veterinary Committee Preparatory for the World Endurance Championship, confirmed that the veterinary examination was conducted today for the horses participating in the championship.

Today, the general meeting of the riders participating in the championship will be held to inform them of all the requirements of the race, including tracks, laws, regulations and others, in the presence of the organizing and technical committees, referees and veterinarians.

Tweissi explained in press statements that «the process of reviewing the passports of horses will also take place today, in addition to checking the schedule of vaccines, and making sure that they receive the required doses».

He said: «Will be conducted a fitness test for the horse, which includes heartbeat, metabolic status and trotting, to ensure that there is no lameness, in addition to the general condition of the horse, and to ensure that there are no wounds or injuries, while the next step, if the horse exceeds this stage, is to number the horse with the number of the rider himself. Tweissi pointed out that the rider will be weighed with the equipment of the «saddle» and others, as the weight of the rider with his equipment should not be less than 75 kg.