Prestige Returns at the 33rd UAE President's Cup

An iconic gathering that honors the legacy of the Arabian Purebred and the culture that shaped it

Abu Dhabi prepares for a moment of grandeur as the Abu Dhabi Turf Club hosts the thirty third running of the President of the UAE Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses on December six. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event stands at the heart of the club’s twenty twenty five to twenty twenty six season and remains one of the most distinguished fixtures in the Arabian racing world.

The President of the UAE Cup is recognised internationally for its record prize fund, its history, and its roster of extraordinary competitors. This year’s Group One race will take place over two thousand two hundred metres and will gather elite jockeys and the finest Arabian Purebred horses. The total prize purse of ten point eight million dirhams reflects the prestige of the occasion and affirms its status as the richest night of the Abu Dhabi Turf Club calendar. Alongside the feature race, the programme includes the Group Three Yass Sprint, the UAE Breeders Cup, and the Abu Dhabi Derby, creating a full evening of high calibre sport that attracts devoted followers from around the world.

The legacy of the Cup traces back to nineteen ninety four when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan inaugurated its first edition. His vision set the foundation for a competition designed to honour the heritage of the Arabian horse, celebrate the breed’s unmatched qualities, and preserve a vital cultural tradition. The Cup stands today as a continuation of this mission and reflects the profound connection between the UAE and its equestrian identity.

His Excellency Eng. Ali Al Shaiba, Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Abu Dhabi Turf Club, expressed his appreciation for the ongoing support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He affirmed that this leadership has strengthened the presence of the Arabian Purebred on a global stage, reinforcing the importance of the breed and safeguarding its legacy. He shared a sentiment of pride in hosting the President of the UAE Cup each year and noted its symbolic role in representing the values and heritage of the Emirati people.

Beyond the racing, the evening promises an inspiring cultural programme that celebrates Emirati tradition in contemporary and engaging ways. Visitors will find an array of thoughtfully curated experiences. Children between the ages of six and twelve, from all nationalities, are invited to participate in an Emirati National Dress Competition with cash prizes awarded to six winners. Photography enthusiasts are encouraged to capture the spirit of the event through the UAE President Cup Photo Competition, with a significant prize for the winning image.

Immersive installations across the venue deepen the connection to heritage. A jalsa inspired by the floral motifs of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers a serene artistic space. An Al Arish traditional Emirati hut will host craft workshops and feature handmade pieces from Al Ghadeer, while a photoworthy installation pays tribute to the enduring traditions of the nation.

Guests can anticipate a culinary journey presented by Strawfire, the premium dining restaurant from Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. The menu has been curated especially for the event and anchors the evening with refined flavours and attentive service. A series of live performances rooted in Emirati heritage will bring rhythm and movement to the atmosphere. The celebrations will conclude with a spectacular drone show that lights the sky with a moving spectacle of shapes and colour.

The President of the UAE Cup continues to maintain its place at the forefront of Arabian Purebred racing. Through sport, culture, and hospitality, the event reinforces Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global destination for equestrian excellence and honours a tradition that remains central to the identity of the UAE.