Omar Al Marzooqi hopes to bring more glory to the UAE and enhance his reputation as one of the most promising showjumpers in the sport as he prepares for his maiden appearance at the FEI World Cup.
Al Marzooqi, who turns 22 on Friday, is going from strength to strength. He came into the limelight at the age of 15, winning a silver medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, making him the first and only Emirati to win a Youth Olympics medal.
He then clinched an individual silver medal and a team bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023 before the crowning moment of his career so far – last year's Olympic Games.
At Paris 2024, Al Marzooqi established himself as one of the brightest young talents in showjumping as he made it to the individual final. It capped a superb maiden event for Al Marzooqi, who was also the flag-bearer for the UAE at the opening ceremony.
The young Emirati now has more history in his sights as he heads into his first FEI Jumping World Cup, which takes place in Basel, Switzerland, from April 3 to 6.
Al Marzooqi qualified for the event after finishing second in the Arab Middle East standings. Qualification to the Word Cup is another milestone in an incredible 18 months for Al Marzooqi, who was named the Longines FEI Rising Star.
As he heads to the World Cup on-board 11-year-old stallion Enjoy de la Mure – owned by Al Shira'aa Stables – Al Marzooqi is hopeful of making a mark for Emirati equestrians on the world stage.
“I’m super excited going into the World Cup and very satisfied with the outcome of the final competition here in Paris. So, hopefully looking forward to a good first day and then see what happens,” Al Marzooqi told The National from Saut Hermes in Paris where he had his final workout in a five-star competition ahead of the World Cup.
“The Grand Prix Hermes CSI5 is a really big five-star show and we ended on a high note. This was the main practice event of the World Cup and it's an indoor event and a tough course to ride. Now we give the horse a few days off to relax.
“For me, going into the World Cup is like the first day in the office. But for sure, I’m not alone. I have so many people around me to help, both at the venue and from the support I receive from back home in the UAE,” he said.
Al Marzooqi owes much of his success to continued support from the nation’s rulers, alongside their families, particularly Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza, owner of the Al Shira’aa Stables.
“Al Shira’aa Stables has changed the entire dynamics of the sport. They have provided a fully professional environment for both the riders and horses. With this kind of support and backing, I’m pretty confident the UAE will be one of the strongest nations in the world circuit in another 10 years.
“The facilities are not just back at home in Abu Dhabi but we also have a super base for the riders and horses in England. It’s a fantastic operation and the results are already beginning to show.”
For now, Al Marzooqi's focus is on his preparation and, of course, his ride. Al Marzooqi says he has struck up an excellent partnership with Enjoy de la Mure since October 2023.
“The horse is a fabulous character. He’s easy to handle and he’s in great shape going into the World Cup. He’s very consistent and never lets you down,” he said of the brown stallion.
“Obviously looking forward for him to deliver as usual. Preparing for this competition, we need to change our preparation programme, and these changes may have an effect in such a big show.
“He needs some more experience. So, we're gaining the experience together and we're looking forward for our future.
“Personally, I wouldn’t change. I would just move on with the same programme as a normal show. Be ready and try not to get under pressure.
“I’ll try to just stay really calm and hopefully it works out. But whatever happens if it doesn't go as planned, it would certainly be a great experience and hopefully not my last World Cup.”
Al Marzooqi was given an early introduction to showjumping by his father Abdul Aziz, who has over 40 years of experience as a rider and trainer. His father will be by his side during the World Cup.
“My father is my mentor. He has shared all his experience since he first started to ride horses in the eighties. I think he was just 12 at that time,” he said.
“To be honest, it was tough to train with him. He was in the sport for a long time and he gave everything to me in a span of 10 to 12 years. He’s been by my side both in good and hard times. I’m very fortunate to have him by my side.
“Aside from my mother, my brothers and sisters ride horses. It’s in the family. So, the entire family shares the same passion and conversations.
“I’m the second in the family after my sister, and all those younger to me compete in the youth category and hopefully one or two of them can reach a good level.”
Aside from showjumping, Al Marzooqi is also pursuing his masters in diplomatic leadership, which means managing his time is paramount.
“It’s quite easy for me to divide my time for studies and my workouts to keep myself in good shape. When the big events are coming, I only focus on my cardio and sometimes I do some stuff that would make my balance better on the horse.”
Al Marzooqi has witnessed significant improvement in the discipline in the country, especially after Al Shira’aa Stables became involved in equestrian sport, both in jumping and dressage.
“The sport 12 years ago was in a different level. We didn’t have the right horses to compete at the highest levels,” Al Marzooqi said. “The ruling family, particularly Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza, has played a massive role in raising the levels.”
Now, it is Al Marzooqi's turn to raise the bar once again.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Opening weekend Premier League fixtures
Weekend of August 10-13
Arsenal v Manchester City
Bournemouth v Cardiff City
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Huddersfield Town v Chelsea
Liverpool v West Ham United
Manchester United v Leicester City
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton v Burnley
Watford v Brighton & Hove Albion
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
Specs%3A%202024%20McLaren%20Artura%20Spider
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V6%20and%20electric%20motor%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20power%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20700hp%20at%207%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20torque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20720Nm%20at%202%2C250rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eight-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.0sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E330kph%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh1.14%20million%20(%24311%2C000)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
The%20pillars%20of%20the%20Dubai%20Metaverse%20Strategy
%3Cp%3EEncourage%20innovation%20in%20the%20metaverse%20field%20and%20boost%20economic%20contribution%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20outstanding%20talents%20through%20education%20and%20training%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20applications%20and%20the%20way%20they%20are%20used%20in%20Dubai's%20government%20institutions%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAdopt%2C%20expand%20and%20promote%20secure%20platforms%20globally%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20the%20infrastructure%20and%20regulations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MORE ON TURKEY'S SYRIA OFFENCE
Roll%20of%20Honour%2C%20men%E2%80%99s%20domestic%20rugby%20season
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWest%20Asia%20Premiership%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Bahrain%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Premiership%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Jebel%20Ali%20Dragons%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Division%201%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Sharks%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Harlequins%20II%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Division%202%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%20III%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Sharks%20II%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDubai%20Sevens%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
heading
Iran has sent five planeloads of food to Qatar, which is suffering shortages amid a regional blockade.
A number of nations, including Iran's major rival Saudi Arabia, last week cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of funding terrorism, charges it denies.
The land border with Saudi Arabia, through which 40% of Qatar's food comes, has been closed.
Meanwhile, mediators Kuwait said that Qatar was ready to listen to the "qualms" of its neighbours.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.5-litre%204-cylinder%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20101hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20135Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Six-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh79%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The Bio
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity
ABU DHABI ORDER OF PLAY
Starting at 10am:
Daria Kasatkina v Qiang Wang
Veronika Kudermetova v Annet Kontaveit (10)
Maria Sakkari (9) v Anastasia Potapova
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Ons Jabeur (15)
Donna Vekic (16) v Bernarda Pera
Ekaterina Alexandrova v Zarina Diyas
The%20Caine%20Mutiny%20Court-Martial%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWilliam%20Friedkin%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKiefer%20Sutherland%2C%20Jason%20Clarke%2C%20Jake%20Lacy%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
How green is the expo nursery?
Some 400,000 shrubs and 13,000 trees in the on-site nursery
An additional 450,000 shrubs and 4,000 trees to be delivered in the months leading up to the expo
Ghaf, date palm, acacia arabica, acacia tortilis, vitex or sage, techoma and the salvadora are just some heat tolerant native plants in the nursery
Approximately 340 species of shrubs and trees selected for diverse landscape
The nursery team works exclusively with organic fertilisers and pesticides
All shrubs and trees supplied by Dubai Municipality
Most sourced from farms, nurseries across the country
Plants and trees are re-potted when they arrive at nursery to give them room to grow
Some mature trees are in open areas or planted within the expo site
Green waste is recycled as compost
Treated sewage effluent supplied by Dubai Municipality is used to meet the majority of the nursery’s irrigation needs
Construction workforce peaked at 40,000 workers
About 65,000 people have signed up to volunteer
Main themes of expo is ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and three subthemes of opportunity, mobility and sustainability.
Expo 2020 Dubai to open in October 2020 and run for six months
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
Breaking News: The Remaking of Journalism and Why It Matters Now
Alan Rushbridger, Canongate
