FEI awards the Endurance World Championship 2026 to Butheeb
The FEI Board selects Butheeb International Endurance Village from four bids. The ride is on 19 December 2026.
The Fédération Équestre Internationale has awarded the FEI Endurance World Championship 2026 to Butheeb International Endurance Village at Al Khatim, Abu Dhabi. The FEI Board chose Butheeb from four bids, and the championship ride will take place on Saturday 19 December 2026.
The FEI cited a bid that covered the sporting plan, the logistics for horses and delegations, and contingency arrangements to keep the championship accessible to every eligible national federation, and a venue that delivered the previous World Championship at Butheeb in February 2023, when 118 athletes from 36 nations started.
"We are very pleased with the decision to award the FEI Endurance World Championship 2026 to Butheeb."Ingmar De Vos, FEI President
"The Butheeb Organising Committee has a proven track record of hosting events of this calibre, and we have very fond memories of the outstanding FEI Endurance World Championship 2022 held at the venue."Ingmar De Vos, FEI President
The championship is organised by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation together with Butheeb International Endurance Village under the FEI Endurance Rules. Championship week runs from 14 to 20 December 2026; horses and riders qualify between 29 September 2024 and 29 September 2026, with nominated entries due on 14 October and definite entries on 17 November.
