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Leadership and organisation.

The leadership of the United Arab Emirates and the organisations behind the championship at Butheeb.

Bringing the championship to Butheeb.

The Butheeb Organising Committee and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation support the delivery of the FEI Endurance World Championship 2026 at Butheeb International Endurance Village.

Endurance riders at Butheeb
Local organising committee
Butheeb Organising Committee

The local organising team for the championship at Butheeb, recognised in the 2026 host announcement.

Host venue
Butheeb International Endurance Village (BIEV)

The championship venue in Al Khatim, Abu Dhabi, with the Endurance tracks, stables and veterinary facilities.

Host National Federation
UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF)

The UAE’s National Federation, working with the organising committee and the FEI.

International governing body
Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI)

The world governing body for equestrian sport and the authority for the FEI Endurance World Championship.

Read the 2026 host announcement and FEI President’s statement (opens in a new tab)

The leadership
of the UAE.

Meet the nation’s leadership, as Butheeb prepares to welcome the world of Endurance to Abu Dhabi.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
His Highness

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

President of the UAE · Ruler of Abu Dhabi

Official biography
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
His Highness

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE · Ruler of Dubai

Official biography

Voices from
Butheeb 2022.

Welcome messages from the Butheeb 2022 championship. The 2022 edition took place on . These historical messages are not the 2026 welcome messages.

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Honorary President of the World Endurance Championship 2022 in Butheeb

An equestrian heritage, shared with the world.

His welcome connected the championship with the UAE’s equestrian heritage, the support of its leadership and Butheeb’s role in hosting international sport.

Read message excerpt

Hosting the World Endurance Championship represents a distinguished addition to the list of international events and championships, as well as major activities that are held in the UAE and Abu Dhabi, which attract elite athletes in various sports and the most famous international teams. The support provided by the wise leadership to sports in general, and the sport of endurance racing in particular, has pushed it to the highest ranks. We are very confident that Butheeb International Village will present a successful tournament in all standards in a sport that is part of the beloved UAE's equestrian heritage.

Deputy Prime Minister · Minister of the Presidential Court (2022 championship). Historical excerpt; ellipses, where present, are retained from the supplied reference.

Major General Dr. Ahmed Naser Al Raisi

President of UAEERF · Chairman of the Higher Committee (2022 championship)

A championship shaped by responsibility.

His message highlighted the preparations for the 18th edition and the ambition to place sustainability and environmental care at the heart of hosting.

Read message excerpt

UAE is hosting the 18th edition of the World Endurance Championship in Butheeb International Village, all of which are confident that it will present a unique championship after a long journey of hard work... What distinguishes the 'Butheeb 2022' championship is that the UAE presents new standards and pioneering initiatives in hosting to make it the first championship in the field of sustainability and environmental friendliness.

Role at the 2022 championship. Historical excerpt; ellipses, where present, are retained from the supplied reference.

Ingmar De Vos

FEI President (2022 championship message)

The world of Endurance, welcomed to Butheeb.

The FEI welcome brought the international field into focus, celebrating the discipline’s athletic intensity alongside Butheeb’s desert landscape.

Read message excerpt

On behalf of the Fédération Equestre Internationale, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Butheeb in Al Khatim, Abu Dhabi (UAE), for the FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors 2022, bringing together the crème de la crème of the discipline... The intensity and agility of the Championship you will witness here in Butheeb will be perfectly contrasted by the stunning desert location amongst the spectacular dunes and landscapes.

Role at the 2022 championship. Historical excerpt; ellipses, where present, are retained from the supplied reference.

2026 patronage and welcome messages will follow official confirmation.

Explore the 2022 championship

The 2022 Higher Committee

Committee members and coordination roles for the Butheeb 2022 championship, held on 25 February 2023.

2022 edition · Historical appointments
Honorary President of the 2022 championship
H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Chairman
Major General Dr. Ahmed Naser Al Raisi
Undersecretary, Department of Culture and Tourism
H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani
Undersecretary, Department of Health
H.E. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi
Head of Abu Dhabi Sports Channels
Yakoob Alsaadi
General Coordinator
Brigadier Dr. Jassim Ibrahim Al Mansouri

These are historical roles for the 2022 championship, not a statement of the 2026 committee’s membership. The 2026 honorary presidency and Higher Committee appointments will follow official confirmation.

Partner status is separate from an individual appointment to the Higher Committee.