ADEC venue for the Longines League of Nations™ - Abu Dhabi (UAE). © Miguel Hernando R. Torino

The Longines League of Nations™ 2026 season will once again begin in Abu Dhabi (UAE) on 13 February, marking the third consecutive year the UAE capital has hosted the opening leg of the FEI’s flagship team Jumping series. For 2026, the event moves to the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC). Founded in 1976, the venue has undergone extensive redevelopment in recent years, reinforcing its position as a leading international equestrian venue hosting competitions including CSI4*-W and CSI5* level events like the UAE President’s Cup.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, a historic institution that now offers world-class facilities for horses and athletes, alongside a vibrant and accessible experience for spectators,” said Mohammed Al Nakhi, Assistant Show Director and Manager of the UAE Jumping Committee.

ADEC facilities include a new FEI-accredited hybrid arena, extensive permanent stabling, dedicated warm-up areas and on-site accommodation for grooms. For spectators, the venue provides multiple dining and retail outlets, excellent viewing areas, and a welcoming layout that allows fans to engage closely with the sport. Its central location in the heart of the UAE capital also ensures easy access to a wide range of hotels, as well as Abu Dhabi’s cultural and leisure attractions.

Enhancing the Sporting and Spectator Experience

One of the most significant updates for the 2026 event is the scheduling of the Longines League of Nations™ team competition on Friday evening, creating a more cool and dynamic atmosphere under floodlights, while making the event more accessible for fans at the end of the working week.

“The move to ADEC allows us to further elevate both the sporting and spectator experience,” explained Al Nakhi. “Hosting the team competition on a Friday evening creates a unique energy and allows more fans to attend and enjoy the sport.”

Proven Capability at the Highest Level

Reflecting on the 2025 season, Al Nakhi highlighted the successful delivery of the opening leg of one of the world’s most high-profile Jumping series as a major achievement for the organising team. A particular highlight was the UAE team’s second-place finish against a strong international field, a result that showcased the progress of the sport locally and created a memorable atmosphere throughout the venue.

“Seeing the UAE team finish second was a proud moment. It reflected the development of Jumping in the country and created an unforgettable experience for athletes, officials and spectators alike”

Mohammed Al Nakhi 

(Assistant Show Director & Manager of the UAE Jumping Committee.)

Delivering an Event of International Calibre

According to Al Nakhi, hosting an event of Longines League of Nations™ quality requires extensive planning across multiple areas, including international broadcast and streaming infrastructure, highly trained ground staff, and close collaboration with FEI officials, veterinarians and course designers.

The organising team brings long-standing experience in staging international Jumping events and regularly benchmarks against leading venues worldwide to ensure professionalism and consistency. Horse welfare remains central to every decision, with continuous veterinary monitoring, climate-appropriate footing management, cooling and recovery zones, and carefully planned schedules supporting equine comfort and performance. Facilities and services for athletes and grooms - including viewing and rest areas, catering, and efficient logistics - further contribute to the smooth running of the event.

Sustainability Embedded in the Venue’s Vision

Sustainability forms a cornerstone of the long-term vision for Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Existing initiatives include efficient water-management systems, waste-reduction programmes, and the reuse of footing materials where possible. Recent upgrades have focused on improving energy efficiency across the venue and encouraging responsible sourcing within food and beverage operations, aligning with wider UAE sustainability goals while maintaining high sporting and welfare standards.

Welcoming Fans Old and New

Looking ahead to 2026, the venue will offer an enhanced visitor experience, with an expanded programme of entertainment and activities, additional retail outlets and cafés, and a more central and accessible location.

“We are incredibly grateful to the local and international fans who continue to support Jumping in Abu Dhabi,” said Al Nakhi. “We warmly encourage new fans to come and experience the sport up close and be part of the atmosphere,” but of course streaming will be available for fans from around the globe to catch the action in real time. 

Supporting athlete development and national pride

Hosting a series like the Longines League of Nations™ plays a vital role in athlete development and national pride in any country, and the UAE is no exception. Bringing the world’s best Jumping teams to the UAE provides invaluable exposure for Emirati athletes, offering inspiration and clear benchmarks for high-performance pathways.

“Competing alongside the world’s best is invaluable for the development of local talent,” Al Nakhi concluded. “It strengthens our competitive pathway, supports the progression of young horses and riders, and contributes to the sustainable growth of jumping in the UAE for future generations.”

As Abu Dhabi prepares to welcome the world’s best teams for the opening leg of the Longines League of Nations™ 2026, the focus remains firmly on delivering an event that reflects the highest standards of sport, horse welfare and fan experience.

With a redeveloped, centrally located venue, a proven organisational framework, a growing commitment to sustainability and a clear focus on developing future generations of athletes, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club is set to provide a compelling stage for the season opener - reinforcing the UAE’s role as a trusted host on the global jumping calendar and offering spectators a memorable opportunity to experience elite sport up close.