His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurates “Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts” on Jubail Island
Abu Dhabi, 31 October 2025: His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, today inaugurated Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts (ADREA) on Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi, the first institution of its kind outside Europe dedicated to the art of classical horsemanship. The ceremony took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan toured the main facilities of Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts, beginning with the Furusiyya Gallery, home to one of the world’s most significant private collections of equestrian art and artefacts. The gallery showcases more than 173 rare pieces spanning over 2,000 years, tracing the evolution of horsemanship across civilizations and celebrating the enduring bond between human and horse.
His Highness then visited The Saddle Atelier, the UAE’s first atelier dedicated to the craft of saddle making. There, His Highness observed demonstrations of the intricate stages of design, creation and restoration, and was briefed on how traditional craftsmanship is being combined with modern techniques to advance this refined art and strengthen the nation’s position in the field.
The tour also included the Equestrian Library, one of the largest and most specialized libraries of its kind globally, housing more than 14,000 rare books and manuscripts. His Highness was briefed on efforts to build a comprehensive knowledge base through academic research and international collaborations, positioning the library as a global reference for equestrian scholarship and heritage.
His Highness also viewed ADREA’s Tack Room, featuring a curated selection of equestrian equipment alongside a special art installation depicting the forty horses of ADREA, symbolising the school’s identity and spirit inspired by the depth of Emirati equestrian tradition.
The inauguration was attended by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, His Highness Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Drug Control Authority, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, as well as a number of sheikhs, ministers, senior officials and members of the equestrian community.
Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts (ADREA) is the fifth institution worldwide specializing in classical horsemanship and the first established outside Europe. It represents a new chapter in the legacy of this centuries old discipline, introducing it to the Arab world from Abu Dhabi through a model that unites academic training, artistic performance and the preservation of the noble values of Arabian horsemanship.
The inauguration marks a defining cultural milestone for Abu Dhabi, reinforcing its position as a capital of culture and creativity and a global destination that celebrates artistic excellence and human heritage.
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 United Arab Emirates. 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.
Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment and Vice President of Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts, said:
“This institution embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE leadership’s commitment to preserving our nation’s cultural and human heritage. Horsemanship is deeply woven into our national identity and its artistic expression. Through this landmark, Abu Dhabi continues to revive the art of horsemanship as a refined cultural practice that brings together heritage and creativity, education and knowledge.”
Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts
Nestled amid the mangroves of Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts spans 65,000 square metres and encompasses a collection of integrated cultural and educational spaces that reflect the essence of classical horsemanship, including the Furusiyya Gallery, the Equestrian Library and The Saddle Atelier.
The institution offers advanced training programmes for professional and experienced riders, founded on a curriculum that emphasizes precision, harmony and artistic discipline aligned with the highest international standards. It also houses a Junior Academy that introduces children to the foundations of horsemanship and nurtures their connection to its noble values from an early age, within a safe and inspiring learning environment.
Now open to the public, Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts 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.
