Omar Al Marzooqi has made history as the first Arab equestrian to receive the prestigious FEI Rising Star award. The 21-year-old Emirati showjumper was honored at the FEI awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi, following an impressive year that included his participation in the Paris Olympics, where he served as the UAE’s flag bearer, and his medal wins at the Hangzhou Asian Games with a silver and bronze.
In his acceptance speech, Omar Al Marzooqi dedicated the award to the UAE, expressing appreciation for the support of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza, chairperson of the Sheikha Fatima bin Mubarak Sports Academy and founder of Al Shira’a Stables, along with his training team. He acknowledged the significance of being the first Arab to win the award and hoped to inspire more young Arab riders to pursue equestrian sports.
Omar Al Marzooqi began his showjumping career at age seven at his father’s Albahiya Equestrian Club in Abu Dhabi, steadily advancing to international competitions. At this year’s Paris Olympics, he made it to the Individual Final, ranking among the top 20 as the youngest equestrian competitor. He now sets his sights on qualifying for the FEI World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Longines brand manager Patrick Aoun presented Al Marzooqi with the award, applauding his dedication and influence on the future of equestrian sports, in alignment with Longines’ mission to support emerging talent in the field.
