Boasting an overall prize fund of more than €1.3 million, the event offers a compelling mix of high-adrenaline sport, family entertainment and lifestyle experiences, blending elite team competition with a vibrant social programme in the heart of Abu Dhabi. 

As the opening leg of the 2026 season, the Longines League of Nations™ will see show jumping’s leading national teams plus the host nation begin their campaign on Emirati soil — the first of four qualifying rounds — ahead of October’s final in Barcelona. Supported by Longines, the series continues to set the benchmark for international team competition.

The Abu Dhabi leg will welcome many of the sport’s most decorated athletes, including Olympic and championship medallists from across the competing nations. Among those set to feature are Simon Delestre, Daniel Deusser and Sophie Hinners, all currently ranked inside the top 25 of the Longines Rankings. 

Qualified teams include Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, the USA and hosts UAE, who will once again field the same proven quartet that secured a standout second-place finish in 2025 – Abdullah Mohd Al Marri, Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi, Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi and Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi. 

The UAE’s Olympic finalist Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi said of the upcoming competition, “Finishing second last year meant a lot to us and we’re proud of what we built together. We’re really looking forward to competing on the world stage again and we’re ready to give it our all.”

Meanwhile, Ireland’s Trevor Breen, who made a remarkable comeback from a life-threatening injury to help his nation take gold in 2025, said, “I’m fortunate enough to spend every winter season competing in the UAE and it’s become a second home to me and my brother Shane. We’re looking forward to defending our title and giving the other sides a run for their money.”

Friday evening’s Longines League of Nations™ team competition will see the eleven nations go head-to-head over a demanding 160cm course in two rounds for a share of the €700,000 class prize fund, the largest on offer in the UAE. The first round will begin at 18:30, with the top eight teams returning at 21:00 for the decisive second round. 

Alongside the team competition, the programme features a further five CSIO5* classes, culminating with Sunday afternoon’s Emirates Jumping Cup presented by Longines, as well as CSI2*, Children and Junior classes. The event is supported by valued partners including Al Shira’aa, the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Equitrans Logistics and Cavalor. 

With record prize money, leading international riders and teams and a vibrant lifestyle offering, the return of the Longines League of Nations™ and The Emirates Jumping Cup marks an exciting new chapter at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, firmly positioning the event as a highlight in the UAE’s calendar.