AlUla partners with Italian equestrian training specialists Sistemaeventi

The Royal Commission for AlUla and Italian equestrian training specialists Sistemaeventi have announced the signing of two strategic agreements. (Supplied)
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Updated 16 June 2023
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AlUla partners with Italian equestrian training specialists Sistemaeventi

  • Collaboration agreements will see support in training and development of endurance race
  • Riders competing against some of Europe’s best in Italian event

ALULA: The Royal Commission for AlUla and Italian equestrian training specialists Sistemaeventi have announced the signing of two strategic agreements.

The memorandums of collaboration were agreed as members of AlUla’s team took part in the Italian Endurance Championship close to the town of Castiglione del Lago.

The agreements will enable more local horse riders to join AlUla’s endurance race team and become active members of its community, a statement said.

Sistemaeventi will provide advisory, technical and professional assistance, as well as highly trained horses to support the AlUla team’s participation in competitions and events held under the umbrella of the International Equestrian Federation, including the Endurance World Championship.

Expert trainers will be on hand to boost both interest and participation among the community, raising their capabilities while promoting AlUla as a best-in-class destination for horse lovers, the statement added.

Ziad Alsuhaibani, head of the Sport Sector Executive Program at the RCU, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sistemaeventi to our growing stable of international partners.

“Their combined expertise will help in the ongoing development of the sector in AlUla, allowing us to tap into their unrivaled knowledge of the sporting landscape and success of AlUla’s growing equestrian sector.

“Seeing members of the AlUla team compete in the VIM Italian Endurance Championship was a proud moment for the sector and helped to showcase its growth on the global stage, further highlighting AlUla as a dynamic destination for the global equestrian community alongside its successful hosting of polo tournaments, exciting endurance events and more.

“AlUla combines Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and passion for horsemanship with unique and authentic experiences. As it continues to mature, the sector plays an evermore important role in the sustainable development of AlUla, supporting our ambitions within a framework of cultural preservation, economic advancement, and sporting excellence.”


DP World ILT20 stars power UAE’s spirited campaign at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Updated 21 February 2026
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DP World ILT20 stars power UAE’s spirited campaign at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

  • Sharafu’s 145-run haul, Waseem’s captain’s knock and Siddique’s 5/35 underline the DP World ILT20’s growing impact on UAE cricket
  • Aryansh Sharma emerges as UAE’s breakout star, showcasing the strength of the DP World ILT20 pathway

DUBAI: The UAE’s participation at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 may have ended at the group stage on Feb. 18, but their competitive performances have underlined the steady rise of the national side on the global stage in recent years.

Across four high-intensity group matches, the UAE demonstrated composure against some of the most established teams in world cricket. Central to that progress was the influence of the DP World ILT20, whose environment has prepared UAE players to compete fearlessly against the sport’s biggest names.

Leading from the front was captain Muhammad Waseem. The MI Emirates player’s 66 off 45 balls against New Zealand — his highest score of the tournament — was a statement knock against elite opposition. The innings echoed the form that saw him secure the coveted Blue Belt as Best UAE Player for a fourth consecutive season in the DP World ILT20, where he amassed 370 runs in 13 innings as MI Emirates reached the Season 4 final.

Alishan Sharafu, who represents Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, emerged as the UAE’s leading run-scorer in the tournament. He compiled 145 runs in four matches, including a composed 55 off 47 against the New Zealand — his highest score. Sharafu was one of four UAE players to register a half-century in the tournament.

The bowling unit, too, carried a strong DP World ILT20 imprint. Junaid Siddique, who secured a high-value contract with Sharjah Warriorz at the historic Season 4 Player Auction, produced the tournament’s standout performance for the UAE. His sensational 5 for 35 against Canada at the Arun Jaitley Stadium dismantled the opposition and earned him player of the match honors.

Siddique finished as the UAE’s highest wicket-taker with seven scalps, capping a campaign that validated his status as one of the league’s premium signings.

Meanwhile, Haider Ali and left-arm pacer Muhammad Jawadullah — both regular features for Dubai Capitals — brought discipline and control to the attack, reinforcing the depth fostered within the league ecosystem. Also featuring in the UAE squad were Mayank Kumar of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Muhammad Farooq of Dubai Capitals, and Rohid Khan of MI Emirates.

Beyond the established names, the tournament also unveiled exciting prospects. Twenty-one-year-old Aryansh Sharma produced a defining moment with an unbeaten 74 in the five-wicket win over Canada, guiding the chase with poise and composure. Sohaib Khan emerged as the team’s third-highest run-getter with 132 runs, including a fluent 68 off 48 deliveries against Afghanistan national cricket team. These are players who will undoubtedly attract attention ahead of the DP World ILT20 Season 5 Player Auction.

The broader takeaway from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is the steady evolution of UAE cricket, with the Emirates side underlining how the DP World ILT20 is increasingly shaping players for the global stage rather than remaining just a domestic showcase.