The country is set to host the event again next year, at Abu Dhabi's Butheeb stables
On December 10, 1998, the UAE hosted its first international endurance horse race. All photos by Getty
The UAE stepped up to host the event after Dublin was forced to withdraw because of organisational problems
With 162 riders from 37 countries, it was the largest FEI World Endurance Race to that time
Those taking part noted how well organised the race was, and how gracious were its hosts
It was a major milestone for a country that had only introduced the sport six years earlier, under the leadership of its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
The event's success was a landmark, as the UAE raised its profile and that of the sport
The sport is a natural extension of the UAE's ancient connection to endurance racing as a sport ... and a way of life
The country is set to host the event again next year, at Abu Dhabi's Butheeb stables
On December 10, 1998, the UAE hosted its first international endurance horse race. All photos by Getty
The UAE stepped up to host the event after Dublin was forced to withdraw because of organisational problems
With 162 riders from 37 countries, it was the largest FEI World Endurance Race to that time
Those taking part noted how well organised the race was, and how gracious were its hosts
It was a major milestone for a country that had only introduced the sport six years earlier, under the leadership of its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
The event's success was a landmark, as the UAE raised its profile and that of the sport
The sport is a natural extension of the UAE's ancient connection to endurance racing as a sport ... and a way of life
The country is set to host the event again next year, at Abu Dhabi's Butheeb stables
