“The whole team worked extremely hard together and we were all pleased with the overall results in Riyadh,” said Al Marri, who is ranked 43rd in the FEI World Rankings
“We have been training constantly, even throughout the summer - riding in France and Holland - and we are all looking forward to doing our best and making the UAE proud.
“We are lucky to have Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum, who is an exceptional rider and will represent our country in the Olympics later this year. And she has set the standard for UAE riders, as we should all be aspiring to follow her lead and represent the UAE on the world stage.
“We have great trainers and horses and have progressed consistently over the last few years, and the sport will only grow and grow from here.”
The 23-year-old Emirati was also full of praise for HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his wife HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain.
“We receive tremendous support from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Her Royal Highness Princess Haya, who have raised the standard of UAE equestrianism to new levels.”
Al Marri and his team mates will join some of the region’s best horses and riders in competing for a total prize money of Dhs 500,000 at this three-day event, organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club and kindly sponsored by Gulf News, Longines and DOM International.
Entertainment includes food and beverage stands, pony rides, face painting, sand art, henna, inflatable games, clowns, stilt walkers, jugglers, a magician, fire displays, and a children’s play area.
Gates open at 2pm on Thursday and Friday, and from 12.30pm on Saturday.