Azizi Developments has continued its long-standing support of equestrian sport by sponsoring the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Ladies for the ninth consecutive year. The race formed part of the 19th HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, held on 6 January 2026 at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam.
The 120-kilometre Ladies’ race opened the five-day endurance festival. The event remains one of the most recognised competitions on the international endurance calendar and is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Riders and stables from the UAE and overseas took part, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global centre for endurance riding.
The Ladies’ endurance race continues to attract elite female riders and high-performance horses. It plays a key role in supporting women’s participation in the sport while contributing to the global profile of endurance racing.
Race prizes were presented by Mr. Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Group, and Mr. Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Group. Milena Mendez of Argentina claimed first place riding Goldstream of M7 Endurance Stables, earning AED 200,000. Shamma Darwish M. Ali bin Sulaiman Alshihi finished second aboard SW Ikram for AED 180,000, while Sara Mohammed Abdulwahed Hasan Ahmed placed third on Rushoz Lieutenant of ABH Endurance, receiving AED 160,000. Both second and third place riders represented M7 Endurance Stables.
Speaking of the event, Mr. Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Group, said:
“We are proud to once again be part of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival – one of the most prestigious fixtures in the global endurance calendar. Equestrianism is deeply embedded in the UAE’s culture and heritage, and Dubai continues to exemplify world-class hospitality and leadership in hosting events of this scale. Sponsoring this festival for the ninth consecutive year reflects our enduring commitment to initiatives that unite communities, celebrate excellence, and enrich lives.”
Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of DEC, said:
“The HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival is undoubtedly one of the most important and well-known competitions on the endurance calendar. We would like to thank HH Sheikh Mohammed for his support and vision. He is the top supporter of the sport of endurance.
“This four-race festival has grown exponentially and achieved immense success over the years and has gone from strength to strength in terms of competition between the stables and riders from various countries.”
Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, Deputy General Manager of DEC, said:
“The 18th edition of the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Festival is set to be one of the most exciting editions of this esteemed event, which carries the name of Sheikh Mohammed, one of the biggest supporters of endurance in the UAE and elsewhere.”
The festival programme includes four races, starting with the Ladies’ ride on 6 January. This is followed by the 120km Private Stables race on 7 January, the 120km Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares on 8 January, and the 160km HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup on 10 January.
Through its continued sponsorship, Azizi Developments supports the growth of endurance riding and highlights Dubai’s long-standing role in international equestrian sport.
