UAE key role in Paris show jumping highlights shared passions, says French co-founder

The UAE’s sponsorship and key participation in a prestigious show jumping competition in Paris unite two nations' shared passion for horses, the President of the Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping Virginie Coupérie-Eiffel told The National.

For the first time since its launch a decade ago, the Paris Eiffel Jumping will bear the name of a foreign country. On Sunday, it will host the President of the UAE Show jumping Cup, also marking the first time the Emirati event has been held outside its home country.

“We share the same roots in our love for horses and equestrian sports,” Coupérie-Eiffel, who is also the co-founder of the event, said in Paris ahead of the start of the three-day competition that gets underway Friday.

“This is the beginning of a fantastic story. We already feel like one big family, and we know we can write a wonderful story.”

The Paris Eiffel Jumping features some of the world's elite riders and horses, who will be putting the finishing touches to their preparations ahead of the Paris Olympics, which begins on July 26.

The championship is considered one of the largest international show jumping events, and includes a group of global rounds that are held throughout the year, concluding with the Paris Eiffel championship.

UAE Olympian Abdullah Al Muhairi will be part of a two-man contingent to take part in the competition in Paris to promote Emirati equestrianism.

“It’s the very first time we partner with a country,” explained Coupérie-Eiffel.

“We share the same passion. It just makes sense to link the two countries and their people. You will see a wonderful competition, an equestrian art, a dream with the best riders,” she added.

The UAE's participation is in line with the directive of Sheikh Mansour bin