Royal Windsor Horse Show Announces Partnership with HH Sheikha FatimaBint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
April 27th, 2026
Royal Windsor Horse Show is delighted to announce a new partnership with HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, founder of Al Shira’aa, for the 2026 edition of the Show, further strengthening the long-standing equestrian ties between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
As part of the collaboration, the Show’s iconic main arena will carry the name The Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Castle Arena, in honour of the Founding Father of the UAE and grandfather of HH Sheikha Fatima. The tribute reflects the enduring relationship between the UAE and the United Kingdom and celebrates the late Sheikh Zayed’s deep appreciation for equestrian heritage.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan shared a long-standing friendship with the late Queen Elizabeth II, built on mutual respect and a shared appreciation for tradition, heritage and horses. The naming of the Castle Arena serves as a tribute to that historic relationship while reinforcing the strong cultural and sporting ties that continue to unite the two nations today.
In addition, HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan will lend her name to the CSI5* Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Al Nahyan 1.50m Longines Ranking Class, which will take place on Friday 16 May as part of Royal Windsor Horse Show’s international show jumping programme.
First staged in 1943 to raise funds for the war effort, Royal Windsor Horse Show has taken place every year since and today stands as the only show in the United Kingdom to host international competitions in Show Jumping, Dressage, Driving and Endurance. Set in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, the Show remains one of the most prestigious fixtures on the global equestrian calendar.
HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is widely recognised for her commitment to the development of equestrian sport both in the UAE and internationally through Al Shira’aa, an initiative dedicated to supporting riders, horses and the future of the sport. Through strategic partnerships with leading events and investment in breeding and rider development, Al Shira’aa continues to strengthen global collaboration within the equestrian community.
While the Royal Windsor Horse Show partnership sits independently of the Al Shira’aa Tour, it reflects the same values that underpin Al Shira’aa’s wider vision for the sport: excellence, opportunity and the strengthening of international relationships through equestrianism by bringing sport to the people.
Further highlighting the spirit of collaboration between the two nations, teams representing the UAE Police and the UAE Ministry of Defence have been invited to take part in the Show’s renowned Armed Forces classes, adding a unique cultural and sporting dimension to the 2026 event.
Speaking of the partnership., HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said, “Royal Windsor Horse Show is a legacy to HRM The Queen and to equestrianism, showcasing so many fantastic disciplines in one weekend. The love for horses runs deep within our family, as naturally as the blood that runs through our veins and oxygen through our lungs. My grandfather Sheikh Zayed, may he rest in peace, developed a wonderful relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II and it is my duty to continue that relationship in 2026 by being a proud partner of Royal Windsor Horse Show and bringing our roots to a fantastic five star show on the calendar.
Simon Brooks-Ward, Show Director of Royal Windsor Horse Show.