Bahrain International Endurance Village
قرية البحرين الدولية للقدرة
The Sakhir base for endurance horse riding, where Arabian horses cover up to 160 km in national and international rides each cooler season.
About Bahrain International Endurance Village
Bahrain International Endurance Village is the venue for endurance horse riding in Bahrain, a sport in which horse and rider cover long distances across the desert in timed stages, with veterinary checks between loops. It is in the Sakhir area and is used by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation, BREEF, which organises the national endurance calendar.
Rides range from 40 km local races to 160 km international events. The headline fixture is the His Majesty the King's Cup Endurance Festival, whose 160 km international cup draws riders from across the Gulf and beyond. In the 2026 edition the 160 km race was won by Isa Hameed Al Anezi, with a separate 120 km race for private Gulf stables.
The 2026 to 2027 season opened in mid October 2026 with five qualifying events: a 120 km international qualifier, two 100 km international qualifiers including one for junior and young riders, and local 80 km and 40 km races. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa attended the opening day.
The village is mainly for registered riders, stables and officials, but major festival days attract spectators interested in Arabian horses and Bahrain's equestrian heritage. Riders must qualify through shorter distances before longer international rides. Follow BREEF and the local press for fixture dates and results.
Watch
Highlights
- Bahrain's endurance riding venue
- Rides from 40 km to 160 km
- King's Cup 160 km international ride
- 2026 to 2027 season opened October 2026
- Organised by BREEF
Good to know
- Races start early in the morning to avoid heat.
- The venue is focused on competitors; spectator facilities are limited outside big festivals.
- Fixture dates are published by BREEF and in the local press, not far in advance.
- Respect horse welfare areas and vet check zones.
Getting there
In the Sakhir area in the south of the main island, reached by car.
Questions people ask
What is endurance riding?
Endurance riding is a long-distance horse race over courses of up to 160 km, split into loops with veterinary checks to make sure each horse is fit to continue.
Who organises endurance races in Bahrain?
The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation, BREEF, organises the season at the Bahrain International Endurance Village.
When is the endurance season in Bahrain?
The season runs through the cooler months. The 2026 to 2027 season opened in mid October 2026.
