The show, where every class carries world ranking points, including a 300,000 euro Grand Prix, takes place at the Ghantoot Polo Club grounds between February 3-6.

Horse Sport Ireland Team Manager Robert Splaine has announced his team, in alphabetical order, as:

Cameron Hanley; Southwind VDL

Dermott Lennon; Hallmark Elite

Cian O'Connor; Rancorrado

Billy Twomey; Je t'Aime Flamenco or Tinka's Serenade or Blue Thunder.

Splaine said today (Friday): " We are delighted to be invited to compete at this prestigious event. It is a great opportunity for us, as with the current global recession there may be fewer and fewer five- star shows available to everyone, and this will be an occasion where we can line out some of our top riders and horses. The horses will be flown out to Abu Dhabi that week.

"With five Irish riders now in the world's top 50, it is essential that we give them every chance to maintain their form, and Abu Dhabi seems ideal, with not only a Nations' Cup, but also valuable world ranking points and substantial prize money on offer."

Splaine added that Denis Lynch and Jessica Kurten would be competing in the World Cup Qualifying competition at Bordeaux in France on the same weekend in February.

"This means that six of our top-ranked riders will be in action at five-star shows over those few days. In the current economic climate I think that can only be welcomed, as there will be huge competition to get into five star shows in the season ahead," he said.