Falsterbo Horse Show under new management: Controversy surrounding Sheikha Fatima

The renowned Falsterbo Horse Show will in future be held under the name Al Shira'aa Falsterbo Horse Show after the company of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan became the title sponsor. This development caused a debate, particularly due to the new sponsor's close connection to the ruling family of Abu Dhabi and the critical human rights situation in the United Arab Emirates.

Riders and spectators have announced on social media and in official statements that they will boycott the event. Critics accuse the UAE of so-called "sportswashing" - i.e. trying to distract attention from human rights violations through prestigious sporting events. The focus is particularly on the restricted freedom of expression and discrimination against women and LGBTQ+ people in the Emirates.

Sheikha Fatima comes from the powerful Al Nahyan family, which rules over the capital Abu Dhabi. Her grandfather, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was the founder of the UAE. While she is internationally committed to the advancement of women, the situation for women in her home country remains critical. The origin of the Al Nahyan family's enormous wealth, which is heavily based on oil revenues and the sometimes questionable working conditions of migrant workers, is also discussed.