Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, on October 31 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 Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan toured the main facilities of ADREA, 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 civilisations and celebrating the enduring bond between human and horse.
He then visited The Saddle Atelier, the UAE’s first atelier dedicated to the craft of saddle making, observing demonstrations involved in the intricate stages of design, creation and restoration, and was briefed on how traditional craftsmanship is 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 specialised libraries of its kind globally, housing more than 14,000 rare books and manuscripts. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan 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.
He 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 the Emirati equestrian tradition.
The inauguration was attended by Sheikh Khalid Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination; Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; 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, besides other sheikhs, ministers, senior officials and members of the equestrian community.
ADREA is the fifth institution worldwide specialising in classical horsemanship. 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 marked 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.
Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment and Vice President of ADREA, 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.”
Nestled amid the mangroves of Jubail Island, ADREA spans 65,000 square metres and encompasses a collection of integrated cultural and educational spaces that reflect the essence of classical horsemanship. The institution offers advanced training programmes for professional and experienced riders. 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, in a safe and inspiring learning environment.
Open to the public, ADREA 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. Rooted in the Arab world’s centuries-old tradition of Furusiyya, ADREA represents an authentic Emirati interpretation that unites heritage, discipline and artistry. At its heart are equestrian performances, the preservation of knowledge and immersive learning experiences that reflect the harmony between horse and rider. By preserving the values of Furusiyya while advancing its practice for a new generation, ADREA serves as a custodian of a major cultural legacy.
An AI overview notes that Furusiyya is an Arabic term for a medieval Islamic knightly tradition that encompasses a wide range of martial and equestrian skills, including horsemanship, archery, and swordsmanship. Beyond physical combat, it also involves an ethical code of chivalry and a deep understanding of horsemanship, including the care and training of horses. The term is often translated as “chivalry” or “knighthood” and historically refers to a comprehensive martial discipline practiced from the medieval period in regions from Afghanistan to Spain.
Source: Gulftoday.ae
