Berlin, Oct 22. (dpa/GNA) – The Global Champions Tour show jumping finals in Riyadh has been cancelled, amid the tense situation caused by ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels.
The equestrian tournament, with record prize money of €11.25 million ($12.62 million), has instead been moved to Verona, as seen in the updated schedule approved by the world governing body FEI.
Saudi Arabia is facing mounting pressure from attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis in neighbouring Yemen, including strikes on Riyadh airport that have left several people dead and many others injured.
The Global Champions Tour finals was originally to take place in Riyadh on November 18-21. The event will offer more prize money than any other equestrian tournament in the world.
The team competition final alone offers €6.5 million.
Before that, the Global Champions Tour has two more stops in Cairo and Rabat.
GNA