British Showjumping Honours HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for Outstanding Contribution to the Sport
Award presented at Hickstead during the CSIO5* King George V Gold Cup, now part of the Al Shira’aa Tour; Al Shira’aa riders Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi and Abdulla Al Marri deliver top results.
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 29 July 2025 – In a moment of international recognition, British Showjumping has awarded HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for her exceptional contribution to the sport of showjumping in the United Kingdom. The prestigious award was presented during the Agria Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, home to one of the sport’s most iconic and historic arenas.
The award was presented by Lizzie and Edward Bunn, Directors of Hickstead, and received on behalf of HH Sheikha Fatima by HE Mohamed Ahmed Al Harbi, representative of Her Highness, and Khaula Al Nuaimi, Head of Protocol for HH Sheikha Fatima.
HH Sheikha Fatima, the daughter of the Deputy Ruler of Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, is a passionate advocate for the development of equestrian sport in the UAE and internationally. In addition to her commitment to competition and rider development, she is also an accomplished breeder with a base in the United Kingdom. Her mission is to strengthen British breeding by developing her own stallions, championing the AES studbook, and promoting the education and success of young horses. Through her continued support and vision, Al Shira’aa has become a driving force in international showjumping, supporting young talent, sponsoring elite-level events, and fostering strong partnerships across the global equestrian community.
“It is an honour to be recognised by British Showjumping. Our mission with Al Shira’aa has always been to elevate the sport and support riders in reaching their highest potential, wherever in the world they may be,” said HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
This year marked a significant milestone for the Al Shira’aa Tour, with the inclusion of the historic CSIO5 King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead. Known as one of the most prestigious Grands Prix in the world, the King George V Gold Cup is a crown jewel in the British showjumping calendar. First held in 1911, its addition to the Al Shira’aa Tour is a testament to the growing influence and reach of the Al Shira’aa vision, which continues to champion excellence and accessibility in the sport.
The Al Shira’aa team delivered outstanding results in the King George V Gold Cup class. Omar Al Marzooqi, riding Enjoy De La Mure, claimed a phenomenal second place with an effortless double clear 0.86s behind the winner, while Abdulla Al Marri, aboard BBS McGreggor, secured a strong sixth place, further underlining the depth of talent within the Al Shira’aa stable.
This recognition from British Showjumping not only celebrates the impact of HH Sheikha Fatima’s efforts in the United Kingdom, but also marks a continued era of collaboration and excellence between the UAE and global showjumping.
The Al Shira’aa Tour now returns to Hickstead for the Al Shira’aa Young Horse Championships, a key fixture in the development of future stars, before heading to Turnier der Sieger, set against the picturesque backdrop of Münster Castle, Germany, for the CSI4* from 21–24 August.
