Tunis: The 33rd edition of the UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses opens tomorrow at the Ksar Sad Racecourse in Tunisia, marking the beginning of the most expansive and richest season in the series' 32-year history. This year's series features nineteen international stops across four continents, with total prize money exceeding AED20 million.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Tunisia leg is the first on a new agenda that stands as the largest and most widespread in the history of the series. Over the past three decades, the Cup has evolved from a regional event into the most prestigious Purebred Arabian horse racing series worldwide. The 33rd edition underscores this ambition through its scale and reach.
The event at Ksar Sad will see 14 elite horses from leading Arabian racing stables across Tunisia and North Africa compete in a Group 1 race over 2,000 meters on a dirt track. This distance and surface are known to reward both raw speed and racing intelligence. Khaddam, a dominant force in the race's recent history, leads the field. With three consecutive wins at Ksar Sad in 2022, 2023, and 2024, Khaddam returns to defend his home turf.
Nafe'eh, last year's champion, also steps into the race with high expectations. Nafe'eh defied the odds in the Tunisia 2025 race, outrunning three pre-race favorites to win by two lengths. As a proven winner, he arrives as a formidable contender.
The full field of 14 comprises Khaddam, Nafe'eh, Las Vegas, Buraq, Afjan, Mossan, Nimis, Monib Al Wajd, Arabi Ammar, Wa'ad Al Adiyat, Warfali, Maward, RB Boyfriend, and Gindor De Bozouls.
Through this edition, the Cup continues to build on its legacy of success. The UAE's investment in Purebred Arabian racing has elevated the breed's standing at significant equestrian festivals globally. This transformation from a regional competition into a global platform has united owners, breeders, and racing communities across continents.
Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, emphasized the impact of leadership support, stating, "The unlimited support of the wise leadership has led to a qualitative leap in the journey of the President's Cup. It has strengthened its presence at major global tracks, becoming a leading platform to support owners and breeders and elevating the status of the Purebred Arabian horse internationally."