Endurance rides in the UAE were started under the directives of the late president with the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation established in April 1992.

The first modern desert ride took place on January 7, 1993, with camels competing against horses in this 40-km pioneering event in the dunes of Dubai the first 15 places were taken by horses.

In late 2002, The Al Wathba Endurance Village in Abu Dhabi built in 2000 was refurbished and the His Highness The President's Cup (160 km) and the National Day Cup (120 Km) rides are annual important events here.

This week, however, sees the official launch of the new Endurance City in Dubai and with record numbers of horses, riders and nations in attendance, the UAE equestrian scene appears set to move to yet another higher level.

The UAE will be hosting the event for the second time with sponsorship backing of Omega, Nakheel, the National Bank of Dubai and Nissan.