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Equestrian rider Omar Al Mazouqi, who has proudly represented the UAE on the global stage and holds the esteemed position of being the nation's flag bearer at the Paris Olympics 2024, has now added another significant achievement to his illustrious career. On Wednesday, the 21-year-old accomplished a major milestone by graduating with a double bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Philosophy from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. During the graduation ceremony, he delivered a speech to his fellow graduates and was also recognized with a special award. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Omar emphasized the crucial support he received from his university as he balanced his academic pursuits with his athletic commitments.

“The university fully understood my dedication to representing my country at the Paris Olympics and provided me with the flexibility to attend my classes online. This arrangement was incredibly valuable as it allowed me to concentrate on my preparations for the Olympics while based in Europe. I maintained a rigorous daily routine, averaging four to five hours of practice, which included both gym workouts and horse riding. It was demanding, but the hard work ultimately paid off.”

From his national debut at the tender age of nine to his first international competition at 12, it was clear that Omar was destined to make a significant impact in equestrian riding. At the age of 15, he achieved a silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games 2018, becoming the first UAE national to do so. Recently, Omar made history by becoming the first Arab rider to receive the FEI Rising Star award 2024, following an impressive campaign that culminated in reaching the final round at the Paris Games.

“Although I had hoped for a medal, I was still immensely proud of my performance. Representing the UAE for the first time in this category was an incredibly rewarding experience,” he shared. Notably, Omar is also the youngest Arab to qualify for the Olympic Games, placing him among the Top 20 in the World Under-25. Recalling his journey into the sport, Omar said, “My passion for horses began when I was just three years old, thanks to my father, who has been deeply involved in this sport since the early 1980s. He has played a pivotal role in developing the sport in our country. Having him by my side throughout my career has been truly remarkable. With his extensive experience, we have achieved significant results both individually and as a team, always representing our country with pride. It has been a collective effort, guided by my father, my coaches, and my family.”

‘Fans made it unforgettable’

Omar noted that the experience of competing at the Paris Olympics became even more memorable due to the unwavering support from Emirati fans. “Attending the Paris Olympics as a UAE rider was an unforgettable experience, especially when I saw groups of Emirati supporters at the venue. Despite the seven-hour distance between the UAE and France, they went out of their way to travel and cheer for us.”

The UAE finished 18th in the show jumping team competition at the Paris Games. “They (our supporters) stayed updated on our progress, followed social media, and their presence truly lifted our spirits, pushing us to perform at our best. The support from Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to Al Shira’a Stables has also been incredible.”

As the countdown to the 2025 World Cup qualification in Switzerland begins, Omar remains focused and determined. “The World Cup qualification in Switzerland in 2025 is going to be challenging. We need to put in the effort and do our utmost to qualify. We already have a clear plan in place, and we’re working hard towards our goal,” said the UAE national. He also aspires to take part in the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

‘Never gave up’

Omar reflected on a time when he suffered a major injury. “One of my grave injuries was when I broke my nose, which required me to take a six-week break to fully recover. It was in 2017 when I was about 14-15 years old. I never considered giving up, though. My father always motivated me to keep working hard. “There’s a saying, ‘If you never fall off a horse, you'll never become a true rider’,” he quipped.

Elevating UAE’s equestrian market

Omar has combined his love for the sport with a vision to elevate the UAE’s equestrian market. “I am sponsored by CWD, a renowned global brand recognized for its premium five-star equipment for horses and riders. This partnership inspired me to explore this field. With strong support from my parents, I decided to bring innovative products to the UAE market. So far, the journey has been progressing well.”

Academic pursuits

Omar now plans to pursue a Master’s in Global Affairs and Diplomatic Leadership. “The ethical perspective has always encouraged me to think differently. Sociology, society, and sports have consistently offered me unique viewpoints as well. Pursuing my Master’s in Leadership and Diplomacy aligns with my longstanding interest in these areas. Diplomacy and politics involve representing your country, much like being an ambassador. To me, being an ambassador for UAE sports carries immense significance and comes with great responsibility,” added the Emirati.

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