The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF) has officially unveiled its five-member horse-and-rider squad set to compete at the FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany. Running from August 19 to 23, 2026, the event serves as a critical milestone for the nation, offering the first opportunity to secure a team qualification spot for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The top seven eligible teams at the championship will earn their place at the upcoming Olympics.
British equestrian William Funnell will return to lead the UAE contingent as Chef d’Équipe, having previously guided the squad through a successful European campaign. Reflecting on the selection process, Funnell stated, “Every rider has earned their place on this team through consistent performances and hard work throughout the season.” He added that while the competition in Aachen will be exceptionally challenging, he remains confident in the group’s ability to perform at the highest level.
The lineup features a mix of veteran experience and emerging talent. Paris 2024 Olympian Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi will lead the charge alongside his horse, Enjoy de la Mure. The 23-year-old rider enters the event following a strong season that included a victory in the CSI3* Grand Prix of Lisbon and a second-place finish at the CSI4* Longines Deauville Classic Grand Prix. His track record includes individual silver and team bronze medals from the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games.
Joining him is Sheikha Latifah Bint Ahmed Bin Juma Al Maktoum, a seasoned international competitor who will ride Cornet XL. With over two decades of experience at the elite level, including previous Olympic and Asian Games appearances, she remains a cornerstone of the UAE equestrian program. Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi has also been named to the squad with his horse, Hudson de Vains, following a series of consistent showings in CSI4* and CSI5* events across the Middle East and Europe.
The squad is rounded out by Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi, paired with Foncetti vd Heffinck, and Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi, who will compete with Flonflon. Humaid has demonstrated significant progress this season with multiple podium finishes in Nations Cup and Grand Prix circuits. Meanwhile, the partnership between Salim and Flonflon has become a staple of the senior team, notably contributing to the UAE’s bronze medal success at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games.
Dr. Ghanem Al Hajri, Director General of the UAEERF, emphasized the importance of the event for the country’s long-term equestrian development. “Representing the UAE at the FEI World Championships is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the commitment shown by our riders, owners, trainers and support teams,” he said. He noted that the championship is a vital step on the road to Los Angeles 2028 and expressed full confidence in the team’s professionalism and determination.
The competition schedule begins on Wednesday, August 19, with the initial team and individual qualifiers. The team medals will be decided on Friday, August 21, followed by the individual final on Sunday, August 23, where the world’s top riders will compete for the title of FEI Jumping World Champion.
We know the standard in Aachen will be exceptionally high, but this group has shown it can compete with the very best and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Only 23 years old, Omar has already enjoyed an impressive career, claiming individual silver and team bronze at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games before becoming the UAE’s flag bearer at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Together with the talented 10-year-old Hanoverian stallion Cornet XL, the partnership has enjoyed a strong season in preparation for Aachen.
Held every four years, the FEI World Championships is one of the most prestigious competitions in international show jumping, bringing together the world’s leading horse-and-rider combinations to contest both the team and individual world titles.
“Championship competition is unlike any other.
Success comes from preparation, trust in your horse and producing four solid performances when it matters most.
Experienced international rider Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi joins the team with Hudson de Vains, a talented Selle Français gelding that has continued to develop into a reliable championship horse.
Their continued progression at the highest level has reinforced Humaid’s position as one of the country’s leading riders heading into competition.
