The second edition of the UAE-Moroccan festival kicked off on September 19, 2026, at the Casablanca-Anfa racecourse, organized by the Royal Company for Horse Breeding in partnership with the Supreme Committee Organizing the Cup of His Highness the President of the United Arab Emirates. This event brings together sports competitions and a celebration of the shared cultural heritage between Morocco and the UAE. The festival features top horses, trainers, and riders participating in international competitions, including the Cup of His Highness the President of the UAE.
The main competition, the Cup of His Highness the President of the UAE, is classified as PA 3GR for purebred Arabian horses and will take place over a distance of 2100 meters. The total prize money for this competition is €250,000, or approximately MAD 2.5 million, making it one of the most prominent competitions in Africa in terms of prize value. The festival's program includes eight races, featuring both purebred Arabian and English thoroughbred horses, starting from 2 pm.
The partnership between the Royal Company for Horse Breeding and the Supreme Committee Organizing the Cup of His Highness the President of the UAE is based on a long-term strategic vision. Morocco is one of the main stops on the global series of the Cup, and this partnership aims to promote the development of the horse breeding sector in Morocco and enhance its position as a major center for horse racing in Africa and the Mediterranean.
Dr. Hisham Al Dabagh, Deputy General Manager of the Royal Company for Horse Breeding, emphasized that the continued partnership with the UAE reflects the growing momentum in Morocco's horse sector. He highlighted the country's efforts to establish itself as a major hub for horse racing in Africa and the Mediterranean. Faisal Al Rahman, President of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing, noted that Morocco's hosting of one of the main stops on the global series of the Cup confirms its position as a prominent meeting point for horse racing in Africa and the Mediterranean.
The UAE-Moroccan festival is part of the 33rd edition of the series of competitions for the Cup of His Highness the President of the UAE, which includes 19 international stops across four continents. The total prize money for the series exceeds AED 20 million, or over €5 million. The series takes place under the directives of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy President of the UAE and Deputy Prime Minister.
The festival also features activities beyond sports competitions, including a "Horse Club" space for children to learn about horses and experience horseback riding under qualified instructors. Additionally, there is a children's village with creative workshops and entertainment games. Moroccan and Emirati teams will perform traditional shows celebrating music and performance arts from both countries.
The UAE-Moroccan festival is a cultural and family-friendly event that offers the public a chance to discover the world of horses and learn about shared traditions between Morocco and the UAE. The event combines purebred Arabian horse racing and international competitions with a celebration of shared cultural heritage, within the framework of a Moroccan-Emirati partnership aimed at developing the horse sector and strengthening its presence on the international stage.
Key points
- The UAE-Moroccan festival celebrates purebred Arabian horses and strengthens ties between Morocco and the UAE.
- The festival features top horses, trainers, and riders participating in international competitions.
- The event promotes the development of the horse breeding sector in Morocco and enhances its position as a major center for horse racing in Africa and the Mediterranean.
