Campus
Disciplines
Your Role
About the FEI
|
Welcome by the President and Secretary General of UAE Equestrian & Racing Federation |
||
|
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, I would like to welcome everyone to the FEI General Assembly in Abu Dhabi, the largest gathering of heads of National Equestrian Federations from around the world, from 10 to 13 November 2024. The UAE, under the guidance and vision of our wise leadership, has established itself as one of the leading nations in attracting and hosting major sporting events and activities, and strives to be the ideal destination for athletes and International Federations. We would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Presidential Court for his unlimited support for the Equestrian Sport in UAE, for hosting this event and providing everything to ensure its success. We hope that the fruitful discussions and outcomes of these meetings will contribute to enhancing the development of equestrian sports around the world, anticipating future equestrian requirements with innovative, ambitious ideas, and finding practical solutions to overcome challenges, enhance sustainability, and reach the targeted goals. We would also like to thank the FEI, headed by Ingmar de Vos, for their confidence in giving the UAE the hosting right of the General Assembly, and the heads of the participating National Federations for attending this gathering. We welcome you once again, and we are pleased to host you and welcome you to experience the generosity and authenticity of the people of the Emirates, in Abu Dhabi, a city which combines the legacy of the past and the prosperity of present, and we wish you a pleasant stay.
In the UAE and in the capital Abu Dhabi, we look forward to hosting the FEI General Assembly in November, which will continue the great momentum of this significant event that is an important staple for equestrian sport around the world. Hosting the 2024 FEI General Assembly reiterates the confidence in the prestigious global positioning of UAE in professionally hosting international sporting events, to add to the track record of high level equestrian and other major events which have taken place in Abu Dhabi and received high praise from their attendees. The UAE has historically delivered inspiring experiences in organizing and hosting thanks to its world-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities, and by hosting this major event, we hope to build on our partnership and strategic cooperation with the FEI, and to show how keen we are to adopt common visions with all National Federations to progress the global development of equestrian sport. We are proud of the great decision that FEI has taken to give the UAE the right to host the General Assembly, as it represents a great gathering of National Federations from around the world. As this meeting represents a great opportunity to review strategic targets, ambitious plans, innovative programs, and support our common development as National Federations under the FEI.
H.E. Dr. Ghanim Mohamed Al Hajri |
||
|
Welcome by the FEI President and the FEI Secretary General |
||
|
Dear Board Members, National Federation Delegates, Memorandum of Understanding Holders, Dear Guests and Friends,
On behalf of the FEI, we are delighted to share with you the Official Invitation and Programme for the FEI General Assembly 2024, which will take place in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. In 2021, the FEI hosted the first ever hybrid edition of the General Assembly. It provided an opportunity for most of us to meet in-person post the Covid-19 pandemic, while giving delegates who were unable to attend in person, the possibility to participate online. The following editions continued to function in a hybrid format and this year we will do so once again to best accommodate all participants. 2024 is proving to be an extraordinary year with the first edition of the Longines League of Nations and, of course, the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which gave us the opportunity to showcase our sport against the majestic backdrop of Versailles with full stands and exceptional sport. The Games displayed the beauty of equestrian to fans and attracted audiences world-wide. They also highlighted the importance horse lovers as well as the general public place on animal welfare and the crucial responsibility the FEI has to take the leadership in safeguarding the wellbeing of sport horses. We find ourselves at a pivotal moment for equestrian sport and the General Assembly is a great opportunity to evaluate where we stand globally as an organisation, while allowing us to look ahead and create our roadmap for the future together. With six disciplines and 136 National Member Federations, we are a diverse and inclusive community and it is crucial we have a solid platform to discuss and decide on matters at the heart of our sport. Discussions on the FEI’s Be a Guardian initiative and the FEI Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan along with approval of the proposed modifications to the FEI Rules, many of which this year put emphasis on horse welfare, will be among the key items on the General Assembly’s agenda. The annexes for the General Assembly as well as agendas, presentations and other relevant documentation are available publicly and will be published online in due course, in line with the transparency principle defined by the Association of Sports Olympic International Federation (ASOIF). By navigating through the different tabs provided on this hub, you will have access to all logistical information for the General Assembly. The General Assembly will be livestreamed and available on Replay, and these links can also be accessed in the hub. Please keep in mind that all National Federations, whether attending in-person or virtually, are required to register for the General Assembly so that they can exercise their statutory rights (voting) and take part in discussions. It will be a busy week and at the end of all the meetings, we will bring the General Assembly to a close with the traditional celebration of our heroes at the FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines in a stunning location. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Emirati hosts for their warm welcome, generously extended at an exceptionally short notice. We are looking forward to yet another productive FEI General Assembly week featuring numerous meetings but also many opportunities to have informal conversations and activities that strengthen the friendship in our community.
Should you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated FEI Organising Team.
|
||
 |
 |
|
|
|
||
|
TIMETABLE - Exact timings are subject to modifications |
Time zone: Abu Dhabi (GMT+4) |
|
| SUNDAY | 10 November (only for Board Members) | |
| 09:00 - 13:00 | BOARD MEETING 1 | |
| 11:00 | Coffee break | |
| 13:00 | Board Lunch | |
| 14:15 - 18:00 | BOARD MEETING 1 | |
| 16:00 | Coffee break | |
| 19:00 |
FEI BOARD DINNER upon invitation only |
|
| MONDAY | 11 November | |
| 09:00 - 13:00 | REGIONAL GROUPS MEETINGS | |
| 11:00 | Coffee break "presented by Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau" | |
| 13:00 | Lunch "presented by Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau" | |
| 14:15 | CONTINENTAL ASSOCIATIONS MEETINGS EEF - PAEC - ACES |
|
| 16:00 | Coffee break "presented by Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau" | |
| 19:30 |
WELCOME DINNER - Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental |
|
| TUESDAY | 12 November | |
| 09:00 | SESSION 1 - Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan | |
| 11:00 | Coffee break "presented by Equitrans Logistics LLC" | |
| 11:30 | SESSION 2 - Horse Digital Passport | |
| 13:00 | Lunch | |
| 14:15 | SESSION 3 - Athletes Services and Registration Fee | |
| 15:45 | Coffee break | |
| 16:15 | SESSION 4 - Rules | |
| FREE EVENING | ||
| WEDNESDAY | 13 November | |
| 08:15 | Registration of participants | |
| 09:00 | ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY | |
| 11:00 | Coffee break "presented by Peden Bloodstock" | |
| 13:00 | Lunch | |
| 14:15 | ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY | |
| 16:45 | BOARD MEETING 2 | |
| 19:30 | FEI AWARDS GALA 2024 presented by Longines - Park Hyatt Saadiyat Island (Black tie/Evening dress) |
|
|
|
|
|
All documentation (minutes, agenda and annexes, presentations and any additional documents) from the various meetings will be published and accessible in the corresponding blocks below (coming soon).
| 30 August 2024 |
|
The FEI Online Registration Platform opens. Registration is mandatory for all participants and must be made via the FEI Online Registration Platform for both in-person and online attendance. |
| 27 September 2024 |
|
Deadline to book accommodation at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Hotel via the link provided in the FEI Online Registration Platform. |
| 16 October 2024 |
| FEI publishes the agenda and annexes of the FEI General Assembly week on Inside.fei.org (FEI Statutes, 25th edition, Annex I, Article 2.2). |
| 27 October 2024 |
|
Deadline to register to participate in the FEI General Assembly in-person. |
| 12 November 2024, 9:00 Abu Dhabi Time |
|
The Power of Attorney Form (POA) must be sent to francisco.lima@fei.org (FEI Statutes, 25th Edition, Annex I, Article 3.3). The Power of Attorney Form has been provided to the National Federations, attached to the email inviting them to register their delegate(s) sent on 29 August 2024. Please note that this year it will not be possible for a NF to give a proxy to another NF as it will be possible to attend the FEI General Assembly meeting and vote online. Deadline to register to participate to the FEI General Assembly online. |
| 22 January 2025 |
|
The minutes of the FEI General Assembly are published on Inside.fei.org (FEI Statutes, 25th Edition, Article 16.3). |
| If you need assistance, please contact feigeneralassembly@fei.org. |
Know before you go
FEI GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2024 VENUE
All meetings of this year’s General Assembly will be held at:
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Etihad Towers, West Corniche St.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel: +971 2 811 5555
website
SECURITY
Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities in the world, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence. The city is highly monitored, and the authorities maintain strict laws on public behavior, adding to the sense of security. Solo travellers, including women, generally feel safe even at night. However, it’s advisable to respect local customs, avoid excessive public displays of affection, and dress modestly. Road safety can be a concern, as speeding and aggressive driving are common. Smoking is not allowed inside government buildings and shopping malls. Local Taxis and Uber are safe to use.
TIME ZONE
Abu Dhabi operates on Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is UTC+4. The city does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains the same throughout the year.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Abu Dhabi experiences a warm desert climate, with extremely high temperatures during the summer months (June to September), often reaching over 40°C (104°F) and accompanied by high humidity. Winters, from November to March, offer much more comfortable conditions, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it the ideal time to visit. Rainfall is minimal, mainly occurring during the winter months, while sandstorms are possible but infrequent. The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between November and March when the weather is cooler, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city. We can advise you to bring clothes for hot weather and bring a jacket for night time and for Inside meeting as the AC can be strong inside buildings.
CURRENCY
The currency in Abu Dhabi is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED), often abbreviated as “Dhs” or “Dh.” One dirham is subdivided into 100 fils. The currency is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of approximately 3.67 AED to 1 USD, which has been stable for many years. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available throughout the city.
LANGUAGE
The official language of Abu Dhabi is Arabic, with Modern Standard Arabic used in formal settings, government, and media. However, English is widely spoken and understood, especially in business, tourism, and daily interactions, due to the city’s diverse expatriate population. Many signs, menus, and official documents are bilingual, in both Arabic and English. Additionally, other languages like Hindi, Urdu, and Tagalog are commonly spoken among expatriate communities.
TIPPING
In Abu Dhabi tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, it is common to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the bill if service charges are not already included. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip (around 5 AED) is customary. Hotel staff, such as porters and housekeeping, typically receive tips of 5-10 AED for their services. In general, tipping is at your discretion, but it is a polite way to show appreciation for good service.
POWER
Abu Dhabi operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50 Hz frequency. The power sockets used are typically of Type G, which are the same as those used in the UK, with three rectangular pins. If you are traveling from a country with a different plug type, you may need a plug adapter or voltage converter. Most hotels provide adapters upon request, but it’s recommended to bring one if you have specific devices. Please check this site for more information
United Arab Emirates - Power Plugs & Sockets: Travel Adapter Needed?
TRANSPORT
Transportation in Abu Dhabi is convenient and varied, making it easy to navigate the city. The public transportation system includes buses that cover major routes, and they are air-conditioned and reasonably priced. Taxis are widely available, with metered fares that are affordable compared to many other cities; it’s advisable to use official taxis for safety. Rideshare services like Uber and Careem also operate in the city, offering additional convenience. For tourists, the Abu Dhabi City Tour bus provides a hop-on, hop-off experience to explore major attractions. Furthermore, the city has good road infrastructure, making driving a viable option for those who prefer rental cars.
TOURISM
There will be a tourism booth during the FEI General Assembly run by the Abu Dhabi Department of Tourism and Culture. They have prepared a website to give you an idea of the many things to do during your time in Abu Dhabi, which can be viewed at the following link:
101 Abu Dhabi Do's | Summer | Experience Abu Dhabi
| Thank you to all the FEI Partners |
|
Based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland since 1832, Longines watchmakers enjoy an expertise steeped in tradition, elegance and performance. With generations of experience as the official timekeeper for world championships, and as a partner of international sports federations, Longines has created strong and long-lasting relationships in the world of sports, over the years. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of Swatch Group Ltd., the world’s leading watchmaker. The Longines brand, with its winged hourglass emblem, is established in over 150 countries. |
|
Pivo Inc. a global brand based in Seoul and California, launched in 2018 as a developer of AI-technology solutions and smartphone robotics. Pivo Pod is a motorized mount and app that turns your smartphone into an auto-tracking camera. It enables everyone to capture, share and connect the real world experience with each other in the most accessible and immersive way. Pivo’s advanced motion tracking technology makes it easier than ever to self-record your training sessions, completely hands-free. The recipient of the 2019 iF Design Award and a CES Innovation Awards Honoree in 2022 and 2023, it has a growing community of over 300,000. Pivo’s dedication to the equestrian community began with creating technology focused on horse riding and developing integrations that help riders refine their riding and performance. |
|
Agria is a leading animal insurance provider, founded as the first animal insurer in 1890 in Sweden. With a mission to provide peace of mind for animal owners and with a strong commitment to animal welfare, Agria has established itself as a market leader in animal insurance and digital veterinary care, providing services in multiple European countries. |
|
Bates Saddles is a fourth-generation family-owned saddlery founded in 1934. With a rich heritage of innovation and commitment to horse welfare, Bates Saddles has become a trusted expert in the equestrian world, known for its high-quality saddles and dedication to rider education. |
|
Cavalor, a global brand and world leader in equine nutrition, offers a complete line of horse nutrition and care products that are available in more than 50 countries worldwide. The company’s foundation is based on the core values of innovation, quality and results with Cavalor® dedicated to inventing, manufacturing and distributing the highest quality equine nutrition products. With the health, performance and happiness of all horses at the forefront of its work, the Cavalor® product line covers the entire equine lifecycle, from a foal’s first steps all the way to its retirement. Their top quality products are used by advanced riders for their high performance horses particularly “when the result counts.” |
|
Peden Bloodstock specialises in global horse transportation and logistics, operating their first horse flight in 1947. They are now the world leaders in the field, providing the highest quality of service in the industry. In addition to flying horses and their equipment around the world, Peden Bloodstock also leads on implementing all related logistical, regulatory and health solutions to facilitate the smooth travel of horses as well as their grooms, equipment and feed to and from the events. |
|
|
We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.
By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.
