Breaking New Ground: Abu Dhabi Welcomed Debut Qualifier of Longines League of Nations™ 2024

The equestrian world turned its eyes to Abu Dhabi last weekend as the inaugural qualifier of the Longines League of Nations™ 2024 took place at the prestigious Al Forsan International Sports Resort.

The event unfolded amidst the state-of-the-art facilities spanning 1.6km², situated a 15-minute drive from both the Abu Dhabi International Airport and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The Al Forsan International Sports Resort, established in 2010, played host to the League, showcasing world-class facilities tailored to facilitate horses, riders, grooms, and spectators alike.

This landmark event boasted a myriad of amenities, including a state-of-the-art Grooms Lounge, Owners Lounge, and Riders Lounge. With accommodations for up to 320 horses and ample seating for 1350 spectators alongside a standing capacity of 200 people around the arena - the venue ensured an immersive and comfortable experience for all attendees. 

Since 2010, the UAE has been the sole Middle Eastern host of the FEI Jumping Nations™ Cup Qualifier, and extending its hospitality to events of such global stature underscores its dedication to the sport.

According to organiser Mohammed Al Nakhi, standout moments of the event included the awe-inspiring team parade, which showcased riders from the ten qualifying nations worldwide and the spirit of unity associated with the event, as well as the remarkable local performances that propelled the home nation into the spotlight, as the Abu Dhabi team made it through to the second round of the competition.

Behind the scenes, meticulous preparation ensured the venue's readiness to host the landmark event. With a track record of hosting top-tier Jumping events - including former FEI Nations Cups - the venue included a dedicated Grooms Lounge, which was created for the first time with refreshments, seating, and two monitors to follow the live feed, as well as enhanced stabling facilities. Along with air conditioning, rubber flooring and CCTV, there was a dedicated stable manager to facilitate the accommodation of horses flying in from Europe, underscoring the commitment to equine welfare and participant comfort.

Sustainability remained at the forefront of the event's ethos, with initiatives aimed at minimising environmental impact. From using existing infrastructure such as arenas and stables, to promoting eco-conscious practices such as glass water bottles and digital start lists with QR codes, every effort was made to ensure responsible stewardship of resources. 

In the UAE climate, hosting the event at optimal time to make best use of cool weather was a consideration, thus minimising the need for over-watering of arenas to save water, and reducing the need for air conditioning around the venue.

Fresh from a successful weekend and looking ahead, the UAE's commitment to equestrian excellence remains unwavering, with plans to host an array of high-level events in the coming seasons. By expanding the number of 4* and 5* events and collaborating with neighbouring countries, the UAE aims to elevate the region's prominence in the global equestrian circuit and is poised to further its stature as a global equestrian hub.

Follow the series on FEI.tv as the second leg kicks off on 23 march in Ocala, Florida (USA).