By Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts Opens to the Public
From the Bedouins to the Royals, the love for horses, in the UAE is deeply rooted in the nation’s cultural legacy. Historically, the pure Arabian breed of horses helped the Bedouins to travel through the desert and today the Emirati Royals passion for horse races has earned them a spot on the world stage. Celebrating this national tradition is the Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts (ADREA) institution that opened to the public on Oct 31, 2025. Inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the ADREA is the first of its kind museum and school, outside Europe dedicated to the art of classical horsemanship.
The main facilities of the institution include the Furusiyya Gallery, The Saddle Atelier, an Equestrian library and Tack Room. Nestled amidst Jubail Island mangroves, ADREA spans 65,000 square metres and encompasses a collection of integrated cultural and educational spaces. The Furusiyya Gallery, houses one of the world’s most significant private collections of equestrian art and artefacts, showcasing more than 173 rare pieces spanning over 2,000 years, tracing the evolution of horsemanship across civilizations and celebrating the enduring bond between humans and horses. The Saddle Atelier, is UAE’s first atelier dedicated to the craft of saddle making, with demonstrations of the intricate stages of design, creation and restoration.
The Equestrian Library, stocks more than 14,000 rare books and manuscripts, positioning the library as a global reference for equestrian scholarship and heritage. The Tack Room, features a curated selection of equestrian equipment alongside a special art installation depicting 40 horses of ADREA, symbolising the school’s identity and spirit inspired by the depth of Emirati equestrian tradition. ADREA also houses a Junior Academy that would introduce children to the foundation of horsemanship and nurture their connection to the sport from an early age.
The inauguration of ADREA marked a defining cultural milestone for Abu Dhabi. The opening ceremony featured a landmark performance uniting, for the first time in history, the five great schools of classical horsemanship, with riders from Austria, Spain, Portugal, France and the UAE. The performance presented a captivating tableau that reflected the shared heritage of horsemanship between East and West and celebrated the return of classical horsemanship to its Arabian roots from Abu Dhabi. ADREA also offers accredited programmes from foundational training to advanced degrees, preparing students for professional careers in the equestrian field. This unique destination invites visitors to experience a world where heritage meets performance art through equestrian shows, educational experiences and exhibitions that celebrate the horse as a timeless symbol of grace, culture and pride.