AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 28th December, 2023:  The inaugural Tent Pegging World Championship in Traditional Sport Dress and AlUla Horseback Archery World Cup unfolded from 16th to 18th December at the Equestrian Village in AlUla. With a large number of visitors attended the three-day event, the horse sports enthusiasts witnessed sportspeople put on a powerful display of the Furusiyya Arts, the ancient Arab tradition of horse riding.

 

The highlight of the event was the Saudi team being crowned champions at the AlUla Horseback Archery World Cup in the team competition, while Saudi rider Hisham Al Tamimi earned the title of world champion in the individual competition and Abdul Malik Al Kharif secured the runner-up position.

The Saudi team at the AlUla Horseback Archery World Cup featured riders Hisham Al Tamimi, Abdul Malik Al Kharif, Abdul Hamid Al Aboud, and Muhammad Al Dhafyan, under the expert guidance of coach Fahd Al Kharif.

 

This victory of the Saudi team at the AlUla Horseback Archery World Cup adds to an impressive list of national equestrian achievements this year. Saudi Arabia was earlier crowned the fourth tent pegging world champions in South Africa, and the Saudi show jumping team secured two gold medals at the Asian Games.

Beyond the thrill of the sporting events, complete with traditional outfits and action-packed bouts, the local community and attendees got up close and personal with the tools of the trade. During specialised workshops, participants learned how to handle swords for tent pegging and the bow and arrow for archery. People of all ages gained profound insight into these ancient sports, deepening their understanding of Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage.

The event garnered participation from over 100 students hailing from various schools and universities, affording them a unique opportunity to engage directly with athletes. This interaction not only underscored the community's keen interest in these heritage sports but also served as a testament to the enduring appeal and significance of preserving such integral elements of the region’s culture and tradition.

 

The Horseback Archery competition drew inspiration from traditional horseback hunting, challenging archers to navigate a 99-meter course while shooting arrows at targets of varying distances. Meanwhile, Tent Pegging showcased riders galloping along a 99-meter track, spear in hand, skilfully picking up targets from the ground with speed and precision. 

 

Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), emphasised the event's significance, stating, “This groundbreaking event marked a first for AlUla and proved to be a tremendous success. We were delighted to present two captivating sporting forms in a format that resonated with everyone, regardless of their interests. AlUla, at its core, is about fostering connections and offering a distinctive experience rooted in our precious history, keeping it evergreen.”

Held in partnership with the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation, International Tent Pegging Federation, World Horseback Archery Federation, and World Martial Arts Union, both events come in line with AlUla’s transformation into a premier hub for heritage and modern sporting events, further enhancing its offerings for visitors and locals.

 

The hosting of both unique events marks a significant expansion in the equestrian and sporting calendar in AlUla, aligning with the region's comprehensive regeneration as a leading global destination for cultural and natural heritage. 

Other exciting equestrian events that are set to take place as part of AlUla Moments’ calendar of events and festivals include the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo from January 17th to 20th, 2024, and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup from 10 to 11th February 2024.