Presided over by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, the opening ceremony of the 17th edition of the El Jadida Horse Show was held on Monday at the Mohammed VI Exhibition Park in El Jadida. Organized under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, the Show runs until October 18 under the theme “The Horse in the Service of Humankind.”
The Crown Prince’s opening of the Show reflects the High Solicitude that His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God preserve Him, has consistently bestowed upon the equestrian sector, as well as the Sovereign’s firm resolve to durably structure this industry, from breeding to international competitions, and to promote its international influence.
Upon his arrival at the Exhibition Park, HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan was welcomed by Moulay Abdellah Alaoui, President of the Horse Show Association, before reviewing a detachment of the Royal Guard presenting honors.
HRH the Crown Prince was then greeted by the Wali of the Casablanca-Settat region, the President of the Regional Council, the Secretary General of the Agriculture Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, the Governor of El Jadida Province, the President of the El Jadida Provincial Council, the President of the Haouzia Municipality, members of the Board of Directors and sponsors of the Horse Show Association, as well as ministry officials.
At the entrance to the exhibition hall, HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan was greeted by the guests of honor of this 17th edition, including Mr. Mustafa Ilker Kilic, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Morocco; Mr. Khalid Salim Ahmed Bamakhalif, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Morocco; and Mr. Omar Al Tunaiji, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates. He was also greeted by Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Al Harbi, Director General of the United Arab Emirates’ Arabian Purebred Horse Association; Mr. Rashed Al Kaabi, of the United Arab Emirates Presidential Office; Colonel Ahmed Bin Khalfan Al Lamki, Acting Director General of the Royal Cavalry of the Sultanate of Oman; and Mr. Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority.
HRH the Crown Prince subsequently visited the Show’s various pavilions, dedicated to institutional stakeholders, breeders, crafts, international exhibitors, art and culture, the Kingdom’s regions and sponsors. He also visited the children’s village, “Faris Travelling Across Morocco,” an immersive space designed to introduce young audiences to the Kingdom’s rich equestrian heritage.
HRH the Crown Prince then attended, at the main arena, shows, artistic performances and equestrian acrobatics performed by Moroccan and foreign troupes and riders.
His Royal Highness then proceeded to the Tbourida area, where He watched Fantasia performances presented by 18 Sorbas representing the different regions of the Kingdom.
A highlight of this 17th edition of the Show, His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s Grand Prix of Tbourida celebrates one of Morocco’s most prestigious equestrian traditions, a discipline combining mastery of the horse, perfect coordination among riders and respect for age-old traditions.
Inscribed in 2021 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Tbourida is a genuine expression of Moroccan cultural identity and embodies a living heritage passed down from generation to generation.
On this occasion, HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan posed for a souvenir photo with the Moqaddems of the 18 Sorbas.
Initiated by the Horse Show Association, the El Jadida Horse Show, which has earned ever-growing national and international renown, offers a rich and diverse scientific, cultural and entertainment program.
Several horse-related activities are organized as part of the Show, whether in the form of high-level competitions or exhibitions.
The 2026 edition marks an important milestone in the Show’s international positioning, as His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s Show Jumping Grand Prix reaches a new milestone with its upgrade to CSI 5*-W level.
The cultural and scientific components are also prominent, with the horse at the center of numerous conferences, workshops and round tables, as well as a wide range of entertainment activities for young audiences.
