Emirati rider Salem Al-Ketbi crowned winner of Longines FEI Endurance World Championship 2021

Emirati riders Salem Al-Ketbi and Mansour Al-Farsi celebrate their 1-2 finish at the Longines FEI Endurance World Championship 2021. (WAM)
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Updated 23 May 2021
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Emirati rider Salem Al-Ketbi crowned winner of Longines FEI Endurance World Championship 2021

  • Another rider from the UAE, Mansour Al-Farsi, finished second in Pisa San Rossore, Italy

Emirati equestrian champion Salem Al-Ketbi has been crowned winner of the Longines FEI Endurance World Championship 2021, which opened this weekend in Pisa San Rossore, Italy, the Emirates News Agency reported.

Adding to Al-Ketbi’s gold, another Emirati rider, Mansour Al-Farsi, claimed second spot and a silver podium finish, in a field of 80 celebrated international endurance riders from 32 nations.

The UAE has a long and successful track record in endurance sport, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum — vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai — crowned winner of the 2012 FEI World Endurance Championship for the individual and team categories in Suffolk, UK.

Taking part in Italy for the Emirates Knights team was Sheikh Hamid bin Dalmook Al-Maktoum, Abdullah Ghanem Al-Marri, Saeed Al-Owaisi, Al-Ketbi and Al-Farsi.

The team was also supported by Emirati diplomats who attended the race, including UAE Ambassador to Italy Omar Obaid Al-Shamsi and Secretary-General of the Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation Dr. Ghanem Al-Hajri.


Karim Benzema joins Al-Hilal

Updated 03 February 2026
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Karim Benzema joins Al-Hilal

RIYADH: Karim Benzema has joined Al-Hilal after leaving Al-Ittihad, the Riyadh club announced early Tuesday.

The former French international was introduced with a post on social media, “Karim Benzema is officially Hilali.”

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who scored eight goals in 14 league matches this season, joined on a free transfer, his new club added.

Though this chapter comes to an end “respect and gratitude will always remain,” the Frenchman said.

“Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and especially the fans for the welcome, the love, and the energy you gave me every day,” Benzema wrote on social media.

“This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and of everything we shared.”

Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after 14 seasons with Real Madrid. Last season he scored 21 goals as Al-Ittihad won the league.
This season Al-Ittihad trail leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points. 

— with input from Reuters