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Weather & what to bring

Cool Dawn & Warm Afternoon, in one day.

December is the endurance season in Abu Dhabi for a reason: mild winter days and excellent riding conditions. The championship starts before dawn, 05:45, when the desert is at its coolest, and the day warms from there. Expect about 16 to 24 °C from morning to midday.

16–24°CExpected, morning to midday
05:45Start · before dawn · GST
~17:00Leaders expected home (est.)

The day

From before dawn to late afternoon

The ride is timed for the horses: the longest loops are ridden in the cool of the morning and the two shortest last, with the holds lengthening as the day goes on. For spectators that means a cold-feeling start in the open desert before sunrise, a pleasant late morning, and a warm afternoon in the sun before the finish.

The Village is in open desert. Shade at the viewing areas, refreshment stations and first-aid points are marked on the site plan.

Food & facilities →

Check before you travel

The forecast for Al Khatim on 19 December is published here in ride week, with any advice from the Organising Committee.

What to bring

A day in the desert

  • Layers: a warm top for the start and the early loops, light clothing for the afternoon.
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. There is little natural shade on the course side of the Village.
  • Water: refreshment stations are across the venue, and a refillable bottle keeps you going between them.
  • Flat, closed shoes: sand and hard-packed tracks underfoot.
  • A charged phone: live timing and GPS tracking of every horse run through the day, and the Village has Wi-Fi in the public areas.
  • Binoculars if you have them: the arrival line and the vet gate are the action, and the horses come in fast.
  • Respect for the horses: keep to the spectator zones, keep noise down near the vet gate and the cooling area, and never approach a horse or its crew.
  • Patience: the leaders are expected home in the late afternoon, and the championship is only decided once the final inspection is passed.