Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 28th July 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

UAE endurance suspension lifted
hoof
The UAE National Federation was suspended earlier this year amid concerns over horse welfare.
Agreement signed to ensure horse welfare is respected
 
The Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF) has signed an agreement to ensure horse welfare will be respected and rules strictly enforced at endurance events. As a result, the FEI Bureau has agreed to lift its suspension.

EEF is the governing body of equestrian sports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Earlier this year, the federation was provisionally suspended by the FEI Bureau, following an investigation into major horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI rules and regulations in the discipline of endurance.

It was revealed yesterday (27 July) that the bureau has unanimously agreed to reinstate the UAE National Federation to full membership of the FEI - the international governing body for Olympic equestrian sport.

A legally binding agreement has been signed by the EEF and FEI, offering a guarantee that horse welfare will be respected and that rules will be enforced at endurance events in the UAE.

Among other terms, EEF must ensure that:
  • Protocols are put in place to avoid equine fatalities
  • Applicable rest periods are respected
  • Horses on rest periods are blocked from entry in national events (the FEI system already blocks entries in international events)
  • Use of prohibited fluid administration and any substances prohibited under the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs) in and around the Field of Play and at the Vet Gate is prevented
Commenting on the agreement, FEI's secretary general Sabrina Zeender, said: "We are very pleased that, after four months of very hard work, the United Arab Emirates have demonstrated with the signature of this agreement that they are fully committed to ensuring horse welfare and complying with FEI rules at both international and national level in the country."

EEF's secretary general, Taleb Dhaher Al Mheiri, said the federation will continue to work with the FEI to ensure the requirements are applied. "It is our goal to pursue excellence while promoting the growth of the sport and safeguarding the welfare of equine and human athletes," he added.

For more information on the agreement, see http://www.fei.org/news/uae-national-federation-suspension-lifted-fei-bureau-following-signature-agreement

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.