Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Highlights Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts' Role In Classical Horsemanship Education
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, recently visited the Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts (ADREA) on Jubail Island. This academy is notable for being the fifth globally dedicated to classical horsemanship and the first outside Europe. During his visit, Sheikh Khaled explored various facilities, including the Furusiyya Gallery and Dar Al Hiraf, a unique saddle-making workshop in the UAE.
The ADREA tour also featured a visit to the manège, where weekly equestrian showcases occur. The Equestrian Library, another highlight, is one of the largest specialised libraries in equestrian arts worldwide. It houses around 14,000 rare books and manuscripts on classical horsemanship. Sheikh Khaled received briefings on ADREA's academic and training programmes aimed at preparing professional riders to international standards.
Sheikh Khaled emphasised that ADREA significantly enriches Abu Dhabi’s cultural and sporting scene. The academy provides an educational environment that merges global expertise with authentic Emirati traditions in classical horsemanship. He praised its role in nurturing a new generation of riders equipped with technical and academic knowledge to preserve classical equestrian arts.
Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment and Vice Chair of ADREA, stated: "The support of the leadership is the key pillar behind the success of this landmark cultural project. Sheikh Khaled’s vision to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s status as a global capital of culture and creativity serves as an inspiration to all working in this field."
The academy opened its doors to students and visitors in early November 2025. The inauguration ceremony featured performances by leading classical riding schools from France, Austria, Portugal, Spain, alongside ADREA riders. The facility boasts state-of-the-art stables with advanced monitoring systems and air-conditioning.
ADREA includes a Junior Riders Academy, indoor and outdoor training arenas, shaded tracks for horses and riders, a veterinary clinic, and a rehabilitation centre. Visitors can enjoy cafés and restaurants within this modern environment that reflects Abu Dhabi’s forward-looking vision in classical horsemanship.
During his visit, Sheikh Khaled was accompanied by Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui; Ahmed Jasem Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; and Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Their presence underscored the importance placed on integrating Emirati heritage with global excellence.
ADREA's establishment aligns with UAE leadership's vision to harmonise Emirati heritage with global standards. It presents horsemanship as an art reflecting national values and cultural identity while promoting Abu Dhabi as a hub for culture and creativity.
With inputs from WAM
Sign in with Google