Abu Dhabi opens Royal Equestrian Arts, the first classical horsemanship institution outside Europe, blending heritage, education and artistry.
ABU DHABI: His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts (ADREA) on Jubail Island, marking a cultural first for the region. ADREA becomes the world’s fifth and the first non-European institution dedicated to classical horsemanship, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s global cultural stature.
The inauguration featured a tour of ADREA’s landmark spaces, including the Furusiyya Gallery, which houses over 173 rare artefacts spanning 2,000 years of equestrian heritage. Sheikh Mansour also visited The Saddle Atelier, the UAE’s first saddle-making workshop that bridges traditional craftsmanship with innovation, and the Equestrian Library, home to more than 14,000 rare books and manuscripts.
Positioned across 65,000 square metres, ADREA is a cultural, academic and performance hub that celebrates the legacy of Arabian horsemanship while integrating global influences. Visitors can explore curated exhibitions, enjoy live equestrian performances, and participate in educational programmes. The institution includes a Junior Academy to nurture young talent in the discipline of classical riding.
The highlight of the inauguration was a historic performance by riders from the five great schools of classical horsemanship — Austria, Spain, Portugal, France, and the UAE — sharing the stage for the first time. This performance symbolised the return of classical equestrian tradition to its Arabian roots.
Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Vice President of ADREA, noted that the project embodies the UAE’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage while inspiring future generations. With its comprehensive training programmes and public exhibitions, Abu Dhabi equestrian arts now stand as a beacon of cultural fusion and artistic excellence.
