In a groundbreaking display of equestrian excellence, Emirati riders Hamda Jasim Ahmed Mohamed Al Ali and Maitha Mohamed Al Qubaisi achieved a historic one-two finish at the prestigious Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival in Dubai. The landmark victory, witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum himself, represents a significant milestone for women’s sports in the United Arab Emirates.
The two athletes conquered the grueling 160-kilometer course at Dubai International Endurance City through strategic brilliance and exceptional horsemanship. Riding SW Hinkul, a 12-year-old gelding, Hamda executed a perfectly timed final surge to claim victory in 6 hours, 14 minutes, and 19 seconds, maintaining an impressive average speed of 25.65 km/h throughout the demanding desert terrain.
What made their achievement particularly remarkable was their tactical approach. Rather than leading from the start, Hamda began in 24th position and remained outside the top ten for much of the race. Her victory was secured through intelligent pacing, meticulous veterinary management, and a decisive final push during the last 20 kilometers that overwhelmed the competition.
Maitha Al Qubaisi followed just 36 seconds behind her compatriot, completing an all-Emirati female podium dominance that showcased the depth of talent developing within the UAE’s endurance riding program. Mansour Saeed Al Farsi secured third place, rounding out the podium.
The event, now in its 19th edition and organized by the Dubai Equestrian Club, stands as one of the most prestigious fixtures on the global endurance calendar. Sheikh Mohammed, a former World Endurance Champion himself, personally followed the final stretch of the race, adding symbolic significance to the women’s achievement.
This triumph demonstrates how endurance riding rewards strategic decision-making and partnership with the horse as much as physical stamina. Both riders emphasized the values of patience, humility, and trust that the sport instills—qualities that proved decisive in their historic performance that will be remembered as a defining moment in the festival’s history.