For centuries, the horse has stood at the heart of Arab identity. More than a companion, it was a symbol of power, poetry, and pride. In Bedouin history, horses carried warriors, inspired verse, and defined nobility. That legacy has not faded with time. It has simply evolved. On Jubail Island, that tradition found new expression as Abu Dhabi inaugurated the Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts, or ADREA, a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and reimagining the classical art of horsemanship.
The opening night set a new standard for cultural spectacle in the capital. The evening brought together dignitaries, riders, and admirers of the equestrian arts. With His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court leading the inauguration, the moment carried weight far beyond the ceremony. It marked Abu Dhabi’s recognition that horsemanship is not only part of the nation’s identity but also an art form worthy of global celebration.
A MODERN HOME FOR AN ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY
ADREA stands as a living expression of Furusiyya, the Arab philosophy of horsemanship. It is the fifth institution of its kind worldwide and the first outside Europe, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s ambition to create a global center for equestrian art and knowledge. Every aspect of the academy reflects this commitment, from the precision of its performances to the integrity of its craftsmanship.
The opening performance brought together riders from Austria, Spain, Portugal, France, and the UAE in a rare collaboration between East and West. Horses executed haute école movements—once practiced on the battlefield, now transformed into gestures of artistry and discipline. There was no spectacle for spectacle’s sake. Instead, every movement embodied restraint, control, and trust.
THE CAMPUS AND ITS PURPOSE
Set against the mangroves of Jubail Island, ADREA’s 65,000-square-metre campus offers a space that nurtures both the intellect and the imagination. The Saddle Atelier, the first of its kind in the UAE, is dedicated to the art of saddle-making. The Equestrian Library houses more than 14,000 rare books and manuscripts, serving as a vital repository for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
The Furusiyya Gallery, one of ADREA’s cultural anchors, displays over 170 rare artifacts that trace the history of horsemanship across civilizations. Together, these spaces create a dialogue between past and present, reminding visitors that horsemanship is as much a cultural narrative as it is a physical discipline.
Technology, too, has a place in this world. An AI-based monitoring system tracks the horses’ well-being, assessing everything from movement to stress levels. Even the stables are designed to provide calm and comfort, surrounded by the stillness of mangroves where the horses are walked daily. The balance between innovation and care feels deliberate, echoing ADREA’s guiding values of harmony, devotion, and excellence.
Beyond performance, ADREA’s purpose is educational. The academy offers a four-year professional rider degree, along with specialized programs for ceremonial riders, grooms, and enthusiasts seeking mastery through shorter clinics. The Junior Academy introduces children to the ethics and discipline of horsemanship, emphasizing understanding before technique. The idea is simple but profound—to cultivate a generation that values the bond between human and horse as much as the skill it takes to ride one.
ADREA’s arrival signals a cultural milestone for Abu Dhabi. It is a place where performance meets philosophy, where every step of a horse carries centuries of memory, and where tradition is not simply remembered but reinterpreted.
ALSO READ: BELLA HADID SHINES IN CHOPARD’S L’HEURE DU DIAMANT: A CELEBRATION OF TIMELESS BRILLIANCE.
