International Riders Shine at FBMA Show Jumping Cup in Abu Dhabi

The 13th edition of the Fatima Bint Mubarak International Show Jumping Cup 2026 began on Tuesday at Al Forsan International Sports Resort, with international and Emirati riders delivering strong performances on the opening day.

The event is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation,” and is organised by FBMA under the supervision of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

With total prize money of AED 1 million across international and national competitions, the opening day featured intense competition among male and female riders from several countries.

Syria’s Layth Ghrayeb was among the standout performers. Riding Elite De Ponts, the 18-year-old won the Class 1 Special Two Phase (120cm), finishing ahead of UAE rider Saif Owaida Mohammed Alkarbi and USA’s Talya Ismail Mounjad. Ghrayeb also secured a second win in another Special Two Phases class.

“I’m very happy to win twice today. Everything went well, and competing here over the years has helped my development,” he said.

Another top result came from Mohammed Hamad Al Kirbi of Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, who won the One Round Against the Clock (140cm) category on Lyon Van De Plataan. Uzbekistan’s Abdurakhmon Feruzovich Abdulla finished second, while UAE rider Abdalla Hamad Ali Al Kirbi placed third.

“I’m really happy with this win. The competition was tough, and it’s a great start for the coming days,” Al Kirbi said.

Other first-day winners included Jordan’s Zaid Khalaf in the Special Two Phases (105cm) and UAE rider Ali Al Rahman, who claimed victory in the Special Two Phases (125cm).

The international competition will continue daily until Friday, followed by the national events, with the championship concluding on Sunday.