Abu Dhabi ready for opening leg of the Longines League of Nations™
The 2026 Longines League of Nations™ season will once again get underway in Abu Dhabi (UAE). On 13 February, the capital of the United Arab Emirates will host the opening leg of the prestigious FEI team Jumping series for the third consecutive year. The event will take place at the fully redeveloped Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC). Following Abu Dhabi, the series continues in Ocala (17–22 March), Rotterdam (18–21 June) and St Tropez (16–20 September), before culminating in the Final in Barcelona (1–4 October).
A strong line-up of nations will contest the opening leg in Abu Dhabi. Alongside the host nation, the United Arab Emirates, teams from the Netherlands, Brazil, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland and the United States will take part. Together, they form a competitive field combining established powerhouses with ambitious challengers, ensuring the Longines League of Nations™ 2026 gets off to a start at the very highest sporting level.
Founded in 1976, the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club has undergone extensive redevelopment in recent years and is now regarded as a leading international equestrian venue. “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, along with a vibrant and accessible experience for spectators,” said Mohammed Al Nakhi, Assistant Show Director and Manager of the UAE Jumping Committee.
Team competition under the lights
One of the key innovations for 2026 is the scheduling of the Longines League of Nations™ team competition on Friday evening, mirroring the successful format used in Rotterdam. This not only offers cooler conditions but also creates a dynamic atmosphere under floodlights and makes the event more accessible for fans at the end of the working week. “The move to ADEC allows us to further enhance both the sporting and spectator experience,” Al Nakhi explained. “Hosting the team competition on a Friday evening creates a unique energy and enables more fans to attend and enjoy the sport.”