Azizi Developments has once again sponsored the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Ladies, marking its ninth year of involvement. The race took place on 6 January 2026 as part of the 19th edition of the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam.
The 120-kilometre race opened the five-day festival, which is recognised as one of the leading endurance events worldwide. Held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the festival continues to draw top riders and stables from across the region and beyond.
The Ladies’ endurance ride has built a strong reputation for competitive racing and high standards. It offers an important platform for female athletes and supports the continued development of endurance riding at international level.
Mr. Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Group, and Mr. Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Group, presented awards to the winners. Milena Mendez of Argentina secured first place riding Goldstream of M7 Endurance Stables and received AED 200,000. Shamma Darwish M. Ali bin Sulaiman Alshihi finished second on SW Ikram for AED 180,000, while Sara Mohammed Abdulwahed Hasan Ahmed took third place on Rushoz Lieutenant of ABH Endurance, earning AED 160,000.
Speaking of the event, Mr. Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Group, said:
“We are proud to once again be part of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival – one of the most prestigious fixtures in the global endurance calendar. Equestrianism is deeply embedded in the UAE’s culture and heritage, and Dubai continues to exemplify world-class hospitality and leadership in hosting events of this scale. Sponsoring this festival for the ninth consecutive year reflects our enduring commitment to initiatives that unite communities, celebrate excellence, and enrich lives.”
Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of DEC, said:
“The HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival is undoubtedly one of the most important and well-known competitions on the endurance calendar. We would like to thank HH Sheikh Mohammed for his support and vision. He is the top supporter of the sport of endurance.
“This four-race festival has grown exponentially and achieved immense success over the years and has gone from strength to strength in terms of competition between the stables and riders from various countries.”
Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, Deputy General Manager of DEC, said:
“The 18th edition of the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Festival is set to be one of the most exciting editions of this esteemed event, which carries the name of Sheikh Mohammed, one of the biggest supporters of endurance in the UAE and elsewhere.”
The endurance festival includes four headline races across five days, concluding with the 160km HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup on 10 January. The event remains a key fixture in the global endurance calendar and reflects ongoing investment in the sport.
Azizi Developments’ continued sponsorship supports the promotion of endurance riding and reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading international equestrian destination.
