Dubai is set to host the world’s greatest endurance riders when the 2016 renewal of the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup presented by Longines, is held at Dubai International Endurance City Saturday.

The internationally-renowned competition is the highlight of the Dubai endurance season and is organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club. The 2016 renewal is the ninth year for the prestigious annual ride and will feature an impressive roster of 64 international competitors from 27 countries including, for the first time ever, a rider from Thailand.

The 160km competition will start at 7am and will be contested in five loops over distances of 40km, 35km, 35km, 32km and 18km.

Last year’s ride was won by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. This came just four months after his monumental victory in the 2014 FEI World Endurance Championship in Normandy, France.

Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, general manager of DEC, said: “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup is a goal for endurance riders not only in Dubai but from around the world.

“In addition, the World Endurance Championships victories HH Sheikh Mohammed and his son, Sheikh Hamdan, serve as an inspiration to both current and future generations of Emirati riders.”

Endurance riding requires the rider and horse to work in perfect harmony as a team. They must manage pace to complete extreme distances in the fastest time while passing stringent veterinary examinations that ensure the horse is not under fatigue and stress.