The Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA) International Show Jumping Cup returns this year on February 24 and 25 to the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. 

A brand new activity zone will be introduced in this fourth edition, while more riders than ever before are expected to compete, establishing the Cup as an up-and-coming global equestrian event growing from strength to strength.

The annual FBMA International Show Jumping Cup, which is open for the public to attend and free of charge, is held under the patronage of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the UAE General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. 

Organised by FBMA with the support of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), the Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF), the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), and the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC) and sponsored by Al-Shira’aa Stables, Longines, Healthpoint Hospital, Yas Sports TV and the Emirates Arabian Horse Society, the event provides a special platform for female riders and showjumpers across the UAE and abroad. This year an estimated 120 riders from over 20 countries including UAE are expected to compete for a title and the prestigious prizes the Cup awards. The registration is open until February 18, 2017. 

Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, Board member at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, expressed FBMA’s gratitude and appreciation to HH Sheikha Fatima for her continuous support to Emirati women.  She said: “The FBMA International Show Jumping Cup remains one of the top sports events on FBMA’s calendar, and we are delighted that the event has achieved global prominence as a major equestrian meeting in the UAE and the Middle East over recent years. Some 92 riders from 17 countries took part in the third edition in 2016, but this year we are aiming to surpass all of our previous participation records.”

She continued: “We are particularly pleased that this year’s participation reflects our continuous efforts of engaging more UAE women in sports. A central goal for FBMA is to inspire Emirati women by empowering them to pursue leading roles in the sporting world and through the International Show Jumping Cup, we hope to continue enabling the women of our Nation to reach their goals”. 

Al Jaber further emphasised on the significance of the expansion of the event this year to cater to all members of the local community, as the fourth edition of the Cup will witness the launch of the “Equestrian Village”, a new interactive village full of fun and educational equestrian activities which aim at engaging the visitors with the sport that has traditional roots in the Emirati culture.

Ahmed Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Director of Marketing & Communication at Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) has also praised the continuous support of HH Sheikha Fatima to foster a healthy lifestyle in the Emirati community by growing women’s participation in sports. “We are glad to see the fourth edition of the FBMA’s International Show Jumping Cup return this year on a bigger scale catering to the wider community. This event promotes equestrian sports that are an essential component of the Emirati heritage, as well as boosts Abu Dhabi’s position on the international sporting scene by attracting some of the best talent in the field from around the globe. ADSC is extending its heartfelt support to FBMA’s events in line with the Council’s strategic mission to elevate Abu Dhabi’s international sports offering, and is proud for our thriving partnership in making sports part of the community’s everyday life,” Al Qubaisi stated.

Open to the public from 9am to 8pm, this year’s edition introduces a new range of interactive and engaging events at the Equestrian Village, an activity zone accompanying the Cup. The family-friendly activities include equestrian inspired games and pony rides, all geared towards a fun day out that encourage children and youth to engage with horse-riding. Live music, food trucks, art displays and market stalls will also provide leisure and entertainment for all throughout the Cup.

Similar to last year, this year’s Cup will see junior and male riders compete alongside female riders in the categories of Children, Juniors, Young Horses, Young Riders, and Ladies 2.

With higher levels of participation than ever before, this year’s prestigious event is put on by Flash Entertainment, the region’s largest live events company. First held in 2013, the FBMA International Show Jumping Cup has enjoyed significant regional and international recognition, highlighted by an official endorsement from the International Federation for Equestrian Sports in 2015. 

Beginning as a ladies-only event, the competition expanded last year to include categories for men and children. This led to wider international participation in its 2016 edition, with 92 riders from 17 countries.