Abu Dhabi Makes History! World’s First Classical Riding School Outside Europe Opens Its Doors!

Get ready, horse lovers and art enthusiasts, because something truly incredible has just happened in Abu Dhabi! We’ve witnessed a moment that will go down in history. The “Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts,” or ADREA, has officially opened its doors, and it’s not just any school. It’s the first classical high school of its kind to be established outside of Europe! Think about it: Abu Dhabi now joins the exclusive club of the great equestrian masters, becoming the new heart of this ancient and elegant art form.

A New Titan in Global Equestrian Arts

Until now, when we spoke of the “major leagues” of classical riding, our minds would drift to Europe: the majestic Spanish Riding School of Vienna, the Andalusian passion of the Royal School in Spain, the Portuguese elegance of Sintra, or the French discipline of the Cadre Noir. They were the sacred quartet. But now, ADREA has arrived to break the mold. It is the fifth to join this elite club and, remarkably, the very first to set foot outside the old continent! It’s as if the world of horsemanship is expanding right before our very eyes.

ADREA: Where Tradition Meets Emirati Heritage

So, where can you find this marvel? On the beautiful Jubail Island, a dream-like setting. ADREA was born from a fascinating vision: to unite the rich history and culture of the Emirates with the thousand-year-old sophistication of high school equestrian arts. Just imagine that blend! The result is a massive 65,000-square-meter space that screams passion for horses and art from every corner.

Inside, it gets even better. They have a climate-controlled arena that seems straight out of a dream, with seating for 1,200 people! It’s the perfect venue to watch those breathtaking equestrian performances. But it’s not all about the show; you can also travel back in time at their Furussiya Gallery, filled with ancient artifacts that tell the story of equestrianism’s evolution. And if you’re a bookworm (an equestrian one, of course), you’ll fall in love with their library, which houses over 14,000 books and manuscripts! It is, quite literally, one of the largest of its kind in the world. A perfect place to get lost in reading!

World-Class Facilities Designed for Excellence

But ADREA doesn’t just cater to riders and spectators; the well-being of the true stars, the horses, is paramount. And the care they receive is second to none!

• They have 60 air-conditioned stables to keep the horses cool and comfortable.
• A state-of-the-art veterinary and rehabilitation center, because they too need pampering and the best medical attention.
• Numerous training arenas and shaded tracks so that riders and horses can practice comfortably, regardless of the sun.
• And a true artisan’s gem! They have established the first workshop in the Emirates dedicated to crafting saddles. A place where the tradition of saddlery is brought to life and continues to be developed with mastery!

A Project with an Emirati Heart

Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister and one of the leaders behind ADREA, made it clear: for them, horsemanship is part of their soul, the very essence of their nation. She stated, “Equestrianism is not just a sport; it is a deep part of our identity, of how we see ourselves and how we want to be seen.” She added that with ADREA, Abu Dhabi aims not only to keep this tradition alive but to make it flourish, merging the old with the new, heritage with the spark of creativity, learning, and knowledge. This is truly a project with heart!

If your curiosity is piqued, you can explore more on their official website: adrea.ae.