A New Cultural Landmark for Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has added a remarkable new achievement to its cultural and sporting landscape with the opening of the Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts Centre, known as Adrea. The centre sits on a 65,000-square-metre estate on Jubail Island and stands as a tribute to the country’s long-standing connection to horses and classical horsemanship. It is one of only five academies in the world dedicated entirely to this discipline and the first to open outside Europe.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, visited the newly inaugurated centre to experience its facilities and understand the vision behind its creation. His tour highlighted the significance of the academy, not just for training riders but also for preserving heritage, advancing education and promoting excellence in the equestrian arts.
Adrea has already gained international attention due to its blend of Emirati identity and global expertise. It aims to inspire future generations while giving visitors an opportunity to experience equestrian heritage in an immersive and modern environment.
Exploring the Centre’s Cultural Spaces
During his tour, Sheikh Khaled visited several key areas within the academy, each combining creativity, history and advanced design.
The Furusiyya Gallery
One of the first stops was the Furusiyya Gallery, a dedicated cultural space showcasing 173 rare artefacts and artworks. These pieces reflect over 2,000 years of equestrian history and demonstrate how deeply rooted the relationship between humans and horses is across different civilisations.
The gallery offers visitors a chance to explore the evolution of horsemanship through time, from ancient saddles and manuscripts to decorative objects and historical illustrations. It serves as an educational journey, connecting modern riders with the wisdom and traditions of the past.
Dar Al Hiraf Saddle-Making Atelier
Sheikh Khaled also visited Dar Al Hiraf, the traditional saddlery workshop located within the centre. This is the UAE’s first saddle-making atelier and celebrates the craftsmanship that has defined Arabian equestrian culture for generations.
The workshop preserves traditional techniques while introducing them to new learners. Artisans demonstrate detailed saddle-making methods, from leather cutting to stitching and ornamentation. It is a space that reflects the UAE’s desire to revive and sustain heritage craftsmanship while passing it on to the next generation.
Manege Performance Hall
Another highlight of the tour was the manege, the indoor performance hall where weekly classical equestrian showcases are held. These performances feature skilled riders and horses working in perfect harmony, demonstrating balance, precision and the refined movement that defines classical horsemanship.
The design of the manege combines beauty with function, offering a dramatic setting for cultural performances and training sessions. It serves as the heart of the artistic side of the academy, showcasing the elegance and discipline of classical riding.
The Equestrian Library
Sheikh Khaled also stepped inside the Equestrian Library, one of the largest specialised libraries in the world dedicated to horsemanship. With about 14,000 rare books and manuscripts, the library is an invaluable resource for researchers, students and equestrian experts.
The collection includes historical manuscripts, training manuals, scientific studies and literature that celebrates equestrian traditions across different cultures. It positions Abu Dhabi as an important centre for equestrian knowledge and academic research within the region and beyond.
Training and Development for the Next Generation
A significant part of the visit focused on the academy’s training and educational programmes. Representatives briefed Sheikh Khaled on how Adrea aims to develop the skills of future riders through a carefully structured curriculum. The programmes combine classical horsemanship principles with modern techniques, giving students a comprehensive understanding of rider-horse partnership, discipline and technique.
The centre collaborates with international experts to ensure training meets global standards. Its goal is to create a new generation of professional riders who understand both the artistic and athletic dimensions of equestrian sport.
Sheikh Khaled expressed his support for the academy’s mission, stating that Adrea adds great value to Abu Dhabi’s cultural and sporting ecosystem. He highlighted that the centre brings together international expertise while remaining rooted in the authenticity of Emirati traditions.
Leadership Support Strengthens the Vision
The Crown Prince was accompanied by several key officials during the tour. Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment and vice chairwoman of Adrea, spoke about the importance of leadership support in bringing the project to life. She explained that the academy reflects the UAE’s vision of connecting heritage with global excellence, and of presenting horsemanship as an art form that expresses national values.
Ahmed Al Zaabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, and Saif Ghobash, secretary-general of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince, were also present. Their participation reinforced the importance of the centre as part of Abu Dhabi’s broader cultural and educational development strategy.
A Grand Opening Marked by Global Talent
The academy opened to students and visitors earlier this month, marked by an inauguration ceremony that brought together some of the world’s leading classical riding schools. Performers from France, Austria, Portugal and Spain showcased their skills alongside riders and horses from Adrea, creating an unforgettable celebration of equestrian artistry.
The event placed Abu Dhabi firmly on the global equestrian map and demonstrated the centre’s ability to attract world-class expertise and recognition.
World-Class Facilities Designed for Horse and Rider
Adrea is equipped with advanced facilities that ensure an optimal environment for training, performance and horse welfare. The stables are built with modern monitoring systems and specialised air-conditioning to maintain the comfort and health of the horses throughout the year.
In addition, the academy includes:
Junior Riders Academy
A space designed to introduce young learners to safe, structured equestrian training and to inspire lifelong passion for horsemanship.
Indoor and Outdoor Arenas
These arenas provide ideal spaces for training in all seasons and support both beginner and advanced riders.
Shaded Riding Tracks
Purpose-built tracks ensure comfortable training sessions even during hotter months, supporting both horse and rider safety.
Veterinary Clinic and Rehabilitation Centre
The onsite clinic offers comprehensive medical support, while the rehabilitation centre provides specialised care for horses recovering from injury or undergoing conditioning programmes.
Together, these facilities create one of the most advanced equestrian environments in the Middle East and position the academy as a global benchmark for excellence.
A Bridge Between History and the Future
The opening of the Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts Centre represents a new chapter in the UAE’s cultural journey. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to preserving its equestrian heritage while developing world-class institutions that inspire future generations.
Adrea blends tradition with modernity and transforms classical horsemanship into an accessible and inspiring art. It offers a space where history, innovation and passion come together, giving Abu Dhabi a unique and powerful cultural asset.
The centre is expected to attract students, professionals, researchers and visitors from around the world, making it a vibrant hub for learning, creativity and heritage. It stands as a reflection of the UAE’s vision for excellence and its dedication to nurturing skills, fostering pride and celebrating identity through the timeless bond between humans and horses.
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