Countdown begins for the Al Shira’aa CSIO Lisbon 2026

The official presentation brought together institutions, sponsors, and leading figures from the international equestrian world to kick off a historic edition of the event in the Portuguese capital.

Lisboa, 27th April 2026 –

Less than a month before the event begins, the official presentation of the Al Shira’aa CSIO Lisboa took place today at the BPI All in One venue in Lisbon. From May 22 to 24, 2026, the Sociedade Hípica Portuguesa, in Campo Grande, will once again host a top-level competition, featuring major events such as the Nations Cup and the Lisbon Grand Prix, bringing together some of the best riders and horses on the international stage.

The presentation event included several prominent personalities connected to the event and the equestrian and institutional world, including Samantha Kettle, Event Director of Al Shira’aa Horse Show Abu Dhabi & Global Operations; João Pedro Oliveira e Costa, CEO of BPI; Secretary of State for Agriculture João Moura; President of the Portuguese Olympic Committee Fernando Gomes; José Manuel Figueiredo, President of Sociedade Hípica Portuguesa; Bruno Rente, President of the Portuguese Equestrian Federation; Portuguese Olympic rider Duarte Seabra; as well as the Director of Al Shira’aa CSIO Lisbon, António Frutuoso de Melo.

During the presentation, speakers highlighted the importance of this edition and the significance of the return of CSIO Lisbon to the international calendar.

João Pedro Oliveira e Costa, CEO of BPI, stated: “It is with great satisfaction that BPI is associated with the return of CSIO Lisbon, an event that is part of the history of international equestrian sport. BPI has invested in supporting sport, culture, and entertainment, and its association with CSIO Lisbon fits within this same strategy of connecting with emotionally meaningful territories and staying close to the public. The return of CSIO Lisbon is also an opportunity to position Lisbon as a stage for major international events, promoting the city and enhancing a sporting and cultural heritage that must be preserved and developed.”

“We are excited to kick off the 101st edition of what is the oldest Official International Show Jumping Competition in the world,” said António Frutuoso de Melo, after thanking all the sponsors who make the event possible, with special mention to Al Shira’aa, represented by Samantha Kettle.

Samantha Kettle, Event Director & Global Operations of Al Shira’aa, expressed ambition for the future of the competition: “This year’s Nations Cup will be truly special. We hope to see Lisbon grow from a 3* event to a 5* level.”

“It is time to go further, move up a level, and take the next step. To achieve this, we have partnered with the best,” highlighted José Manuel Figueiredo from Sociedade Hípica Portuguesa.

Fernando Gomes, from the Portuguese Olympic Committee, thanked the support given to the competition and wished that “all the objectives set for this edition are fully achieved.”

Bruno Rente, from the Portuguese Equestrian Federation, emphasized the importance of partners’ contributions: “Thank you for embracing the mission of elevating the sport and for helping bring CSIO Lisbon back to Sociedade Hípica Portuguesa.”

CSIO Lisbon returns to celebrate its 101st edition, bringing back to the city one of the most iconic events in the international equestrian calendar. The organization announced the participation of top national teams such as Switzerland, the United States, Brazil, Italy, UAE, Great Britain, Spain, France, South Africa, and the host team Portugal, ensuring an extremely high level of competition.

The event is supported by major sponsors and partners, who were also present as guests at today’s presentation, and whose contribution is essential to this edition: Al Shira’aa, BPI, El Corte Inglés, Rolex, Air Europa, Porsche, Horto do Campo Grande, Grupo Eullen, and Lisbon City Council, as well as the official media ClipMyHorse.TV and Sport TV – Official Media Partner, which will ensure national and international coverage.

Beyond the sporting aspect, the Al Shira’aa CSIO Lisbon stands out as a complete experience for all audiences. Visitors will enjoy a unique atmosphere that combines sport, leisure, and entertainment, featuring a commercial village, food truck area, concerts, and the Pony Park by El Corte Inglés, specially designed for children.

This highly anticipated return not only celebrates Lisbon’s deep equestrian tradition but also its ability to reinvent itself, offering a vibrant, inclusive, and memorable event for both enthusiasts and new audiences.