2026 Qualification Calendar: The Road to AlUla

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

April 11 2026

Here are the critical dates in the first half of 2026 where the final selections for the competing teams for the World Endurance Championship at AlUla, Saudia Arabia, will be made.

Date	Event	Location	Significance
Feb 7-8, 2026	The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup	AlUla, Saudi Arabia	The "Dress Rehearsal." The most important race of the year. Teams (France, Spain, UAE, Bahrain) will test their A-team horses on the actual WEC track.
April 2026	Fontainebleau CEI 3*	France	The "Speed Test." Traditionally where the French and European teams finalize their long lists.
May 2026	Windsor Royal Endurance	UK	The "Bahraini Home Base." Often used by the Bahraini team (Royal Endurance Team) to assess their European-based horses.
July 2026	Qualifying Deadline Closes	Global	Riders must have their Certificates of Capability (COC) secured by this window.
Oct 2026	Nominated Entries	-	Federations must submit their "Long List" (approx 10 riders) to the FEI.

Global Coordination of the AlUla World Endurance Championship

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SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

April 1 2026

Participation in the AlUla endurance events, particularly the upcoming FEI World Championship, involves a massive global coordination effort centered on National Federations (NFs). The participation framework is structured around strict team compositions, complex logistical support provided by the Organizing Committee (OC), and a tiered qualification system.

Global Reach and Team Composition

The events in AlUla are designed to accommodate a vast international field. The 2024/2025 season competitions and the test events have attracted approximately 200 elite athletes from more than 60 nations, with recent reports indicating participation could reach 300 riders from over 70 countries.

For the FEI Endurance World Championship specifically, the participation rules for NFs are rigorous:

• Team Size: Each National Federation may enter a team of five (5) participating combinations (Athlete/Horse).
• Reserves: NFs are permitted two (2) reserve horses or combinations.
• Support Staff: Official invitations allow for a non-riding Chef d’Equipe (Team Manager) and an FEI-registered Team Veterinarian per Federation.
• Grooms: The ratio is set at a minimum of two crew members/grooms per horse.

Logistical Support for National Federations

To facilitate global participation, the Organizing Committee (OC) provides significant financial and logistical subsidies to the NFs.

• Covered Costs: The OC covers flight tickets and accommodation for the five competing athletes, the Chef d’Equipe, and the Team Vet. Additionally, the OC covers flights and on-venue accommodation (in a temporary grooms' village) for two grooms per horse.
• NF Responsibilities: National Federations are responsible for the costs of any reserve athletes/horses, NF delegates (Presidents, Secretary Generals), and additional bedding or feed beyond the initial provision.
• Prize Money: Financial rewards are paid directly to the National Federation, not the individual athletes, based on bank details provided by the NF.

Horse Transportation and Quarantine Hubs

A major aspect of NF participation is the complex "quarantine region" system used to transport horses to the desert venue. The OC manages and covers import/export costs for horses from designated hubs.

• Europe: A charter flight operates directly from Liège to AlUla.
• South America: Scheduled flights transport horses from Montevideo, Buenos Aires, or Santiago to European hubs (Frankfurt/Amsterdam) for a charter connection to AlUla.
• North America: Horses fly from Houston to Europe (Luxembourg/Liège), then transfer to Riyadh or AlUla.
• Oceania & Africa: Horses from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa face stricter protocols, often requiring residency in Europe or the UAE prior to arrival. Specific options are discussed directly with the respective NFs (e.g., RSA/NAM NFs).

NF Governance and Selection

National Federations are currently in the process of selecting their teams for the November 2026 Championship.

• Selection Process: NFs, such as Equestrian Australia, have issued calls for "Expressions of Interest" (EOI). They utilize specific selection policies, often requiring combinations to complete specific CEI3* 160km events within a qualification period (Sept 2024 – Sept 2026).
• Feedback Role: NFs play a critical active role in shaping the event. During the Chef d’Equipe Seminar at the test event, NFs provided feedback on the "excessive technicality" of the course, leading directly to the removal of deep sand sections and the re-routing of the Green Loop.

Competitive Landscape

The participation is dominated competitively by Gulf nations, though the field is global.

• Dominant Federations: The test events have been swept by riders from the region. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain secured the top spots in the CEI3* 160km Mutadil Cup, while Saudi Arabia (KSA) retained the title for the CEI2* 120km race.
• Performance: The events underscore the high level of preparation from these NFs, with the winner of the 160km race finishing just one second ahead of the runner-up after over 7 hours of racing.

 

Chef d’Equipe Concerns for November’s 2026 World Endurance Championship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

March 17 2026

Based on the Chef d’Equipe Seminar held during the test event in November 2025 and the subsequent trials in February 2026, National Federations (NFs) provided feedback centered on two main areas: the technical difficulty of the course and logistical support for teams.

1. Technical Course Feedback

The primary concern raised by NFs related to the design of the new track loops.

• Excessive Technicality: NFs labeled the new Green and White loops as having "excessive technicality."
• Footing Issues: Specifically, they highlighted the difficult transitions between stony footing and deep sand, noting that these shifts disrupted the rhythm and safety of the horses.

2. Logistical and Operational Inquiries

During the seminar, NFs sought clarity on several operational responsibilities and costs. The Organizing Committee (OC) provided the following clarifications in response to these inquiries:

• Transport (Off-Road Vehicles): Teams asked about the provision of cars for crewing. The OC clarified they would not provide cars at their own expense. Instead, they agreed to investigate rental agencies that permit off-road driving and provide that information to the NFs.
• Crewing Responsibilities: It was clarified that while the OC will staff Water Points (with a minimum of 10 personnel each), NFs are solely responsible for their own crews at designated Crew Points.
• Stabling and Feed:
• Bedding: The OC will provide initial wood shavings, but NFs must purchase any additional bedding on-site.
• Feed: Horse feed and hay are not provided free of charge; they must be purchased by NFs from local suppliers at the venue.

• Financials:
• Prize Money: NFs were informed that prize money will be paid directly to the Federation, not the individual athletes.
• Entry Fees: Questions regarding specific entry and stabling fees were noted, with details to be confirmed in the official FEI Schedule.

Evolution and Refinement of the AlUla Endurance Course ahead of 2026 World Endurance Championship

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SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

March 11 2026

Based on the feedback from the "Chef d’Equipe Seminar" held during the test event in November 2025 and the subsequent trials in February 2026, the course modifications and reactions are summarized below.

Course Modifications: Addressing "Excessive Technicality"

Following the November trial, National Federations (NFs) and teams criticized the initial design of the new loops. The primary feedback focused on the "excessive technicality" of the tracks, specifically citing the difficult transitions between "stony footing and deep sand" which disrupted the horses' rhythm.

In response to this feedback, significant changes were implemented for the February 2026 events:

• White Loop (35 km): Adjustments were made along the entire length of the loop to reduce technical demands. This included the specific removal of "deep sand" sections and "steep inclines".
• Green Loop (25.5 km): This loop was completely re-routed to avoid the problematic terrain identified in November.
• Start/Finish Zone: Track preparation was extended to create "more stable footing", positively impacting approximately 13km (8%) of the trails.

Reactions and Difficulty Comparison

The reactions from riders, trainers, and officials highlight a shift from a course deemed overly harsh in November to one that is demanding yet allows for high-performance racing.

• Teams and Riders (November vs. February):
• November Reaction: The primary reaction was concern regarding the safety and flow of the track, labeled as having "excessive technicality".
• February Reaction: The re-routed Green loop was "tested successfully" during the CEI 1* and 2* competitions. While the course remains physically taxing—described as demanding "strategic riding, strong physical condition and effective communication"—the modifications allowed for a highly competitive environment.
• Performance Indicator: The difficulty level in February was balanced enough to allow for a sprint finish, with the winner of the Mutadil Endurance Cup (160km) beating the runner-up by just "one second" after over 7 hours of racing. This contrasts with the November concerns, suggesting the "deep sand" and "steep inclines" that slowed horses were successfully mitigated.
• Officials' Perspective:
• Officials viewed the high level of performance and the intense competition during the February Mutadil Cup as evidence that the veterinary and course standards are now aligned with global expectations. They interpreted the event as proof that "AlUla is prepared to welcome leading international riders again" for the World Championship.

Landscape Integration

Despite the technical reductions, the course retains its unique difficulty derived from the landscape. Riders still face a "varied and demanding" desert terrain that shifts from firm sand to rocky lines. The design continues to prioritize the heritage experience, routing competitors through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, passing ancient tombs, and maneuvering around Elephant Rock and Vessel Hole Rock.

AlFursan Review: Operational Trials and Technical Readiness Venue Audit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

February 28 2026

The recently completed test event, specifically the AlFursan Endurance AlUla 2026 and the associated Mutadil Endurance Cup, served as the final major operational trial ahead of the FEI Endurance World Championship scheduled for November 2026. The event provided critical insights into the readiness of the venue and the course, with significant feedback gathering from participating teams and National Federations (NFs).

Event Overview and Results

The competition featured intense racing across varied desert terrain, attracting elite riders from around the world.

• The Main Event (CEI3 160km):* The Mutadil Endurance Cup concluded with a dramatic finish. Emirati rider Mohammed Al Mazrouei claimed victory with a time of 7:23:43, followed just one second behind by Bahraini rider Abdulhamid Al Hashemi.
• The CEI2 (120km):* Held the day prior, this race was won by Saudi rider Muhannad Alsalmi for the second consecutive year.
• Scale: The event saw participation from approximately 200 to 300 riders representing numerous countries, serving as a stress test for the venue's infrastructure.

Teams' Perspectives and Feedback

A primary objective of this event was to gather "Chef d’Equipe" and team feedback to refine the 2026 Championship experience. Perspectives focused heavily on the technical difficulty of the track and logistical support.

1. Technical Course Feedback: Teams and National Federations (NFs) expressed specific concerns regarding the new loops designed for the Championship:

• Excessive Technicality: NFs raised concerns about the "excessive technicality" of the new Green and White loops. Specifically, riders noted difficult transitions between stony footing and deep sand, which disrupted the rhythm of the horses.
• Course Adjustments: In response to this team feedback, organizers have already implemented modifications. Approximately 13km (8%) of the trails in the start/finish zone were adjusted to create more stable footing. Furthermore, the Green loop was re-routed and successfully tested during the CEI 1*/2* events, while the White loop underwent adjustments to remove sections of deep sand and steep inclines.

2. Logistical and Operational Inquiries: During the Chef d’Equipe Seminar held at the test event, teams sought clarity on essential support logistics for the upcoming World Championship:

• Crew and Support: Teams clarified that while the Organizing Committee (OC) will provide personnel for water points, NFs are responsible for their own crews at designated Crew Points.
• Transport and Equipment: Teams raised questions regarding off-road vehicles. The OC clarified they would not provide cars at their own expense but would investigate rental agencies permitting off-road driving for team use.
• Stabling and Provisions: Teams were informed that while initial bedding (wood shavings) is provided, additional bedding and horse feed must be purchased on-site through local suppliers.

Strategic Value of the Test Event

From the perspective of the organizers and the FEI, the event was not just a competition but a comprehensive audit of AlUla's capability to host a world-class championship.

• Logistics Stress Test: The event tested the movement of horses, with charter flights arriving from hubs like Liège, verifying the efficiency of the import/export and bio-security protocols.
• Veterinary Standards: High-performance levels observed during the Mutadil Cup were interpreted by officials as evidence that the veterinary and welfare standards are aligned with global expectations for 2026.

The test event successfully highlighted AlUla’s unique integration of sport and heritage, with riders navigating landmarks like Hegra and Elephant Rock, while simultaneously identifying and resolving technical track issues raised by the international teams.