Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Inaugurates Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts Academy On Jubail Island

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts (ADREA) on Jubail Island. This academy is the first of its kind outside Europe, focusing on classical horsemanship. The event was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman.

The academy's opening featured a unique performance by the world's five major classical equestrian schools. Teams from Austria, Spain, Portugal, France, and the UAE participated. This show celebrated the shared equestrian traditions of East and West, highlighting Abu Dhabi's role in reviving classical horsemanship in the Arab world.

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ADREA stands as the fifth global academy dedicated to classical horsemanship and is the first outside Europe. It aims to preserve and promote this ancient art form in the Arab world through Abu Dhabi. The academy blends academic training with artistic performances and authentic Arab equestrian values.

During his visit, Sheikh Mansour explored ADREA’s facilities, including the Furussiya Gallery. This gallery houses over 173 rare artefacts and artworks spanning more than 2,000 years. The collection showcases equestrian arts' evolution across Eastern and Western civilisations.

The academy spans 65,000 square metres amid Jubail Island's mangroves. It includes cultural and educational facilities like the Furussiya Gallery, Equestrian Library, and UAE’s first saddle-making atelier. These facilities express classical horsemanship's essence while promoting cultural heritage.

Sheikh Mansour also visited the UAE's first saddle-making atelier during his tour. Here, he observed demonstrations of saddle design and production. Traditional craftsmanship is integrated with modern techniques to advance this specialised art form in the UAE.

Advanced Training Programmes

ADREA offers advanced training programmes for professional riders in classical equestrian arts. These programmes follow a rigorous academic curriculum emphasising precision and harmony according to international standards. A junior academy introduces children to horsemanship fundamentals in a safe environment.

The Equestrian Library at ADREA is among the largest worldwide with over 14,000 books and rare manuscripts. It serves as a knowledge hub for academic research and collaboration with international institutions, providing valuable resources for scholars interested in equestrian heritage.

A Symbol of Emirati Traditions

A special artwork depicting ADREA’s forty horses symbolises its identity and inspiration from Emirati horsemanship traditions. Sheikh Mansour viewed various equestrian tools alongside this artwork during his visit to further understand their significance within the project.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including H.H. Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan; Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi; along with other officials and specialists.

A Vision for Cultural Preservation

Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui stated: "This project embodies His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s vision and UAE leadership’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage." Horsemanship is integral to national identity as it unites heritage with creativity through education at this landmark institution.

The new academy enhances Abu Dhabi’s status as a global culture capital while reflecting UAE’s leadership in safeguarding human heritage. By promoting classical horsemanship within an educational framework rooted in tradition yet open to innovation ensures continuity for future generations.

With inputs from WAM