Abu dhabi: His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, officially inaugurated the Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts (ADREA) on Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi. This marks the establishment of the first global academy outside Europe exclusively dedicated to the classical art of horsemanship. The inauguration was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman.
According to Emirates News Agency, the inauguration ceremony featured a tour of ADREA's state-of-the-art facilities led by H.H. Sheikh Mansour. The tour included the Furussiya Gallery, which boasts one of the world's most extensive curated collections of equestrian artefacts and artworks, showcasing over 173 rare pieces that trace the evolution of equestrian arts through Eastern and Western civilisations.
Sheikh Mansour also explored the UAE's first saddle-making atelier, where he observed demonstrations of saddle design and production. This atelier integrates traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to enhance the UAE's expertise in this artistic field.
A significant feature of ADREA is the Equestrian Library, which stands as a major knowledge hub with over 14,000 books and rare manuscripts. It supports academic research and collaboration with international institutions, serving as a reference point for scholars interested in equestrian heritage.
During the tour, various equestrian tools were on display, alongside a special artwork depicting the academy's forty horses, symbolizing the project's identity and its connection to Emirati traditions of horsemanship.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including H.H. Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, among others.
ADREA is the fifth academy worldwide dedicated to classical horsemanship and the first of its kind outside Europe. It aims to preserve and promote this art form in the Arab world, combining academic training, artistic performance, and Arab equestrian culture.
Abu Dhabi's establishment of ADREA reinforces its role as a global cultural capital, emphasizing the UAE's leadership in preserving human heritage. The academy's opening featured a unique performance by the world's five major classical equestrian schools from Austria, Spain, Portugal, France, and the UAE, celebrating the shared legacy of equestrian traditions.
Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment and ADREA Vice Chair, highlighted the project's alignment with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE leadership's dedication to cultural heritage. She emphasized the role of horsemanship in the national identity and its revival as a refined cultural art through this institution.
Located amid Jubail Island's mangroves, ADREA spans 65,000 square meters and includes a variety of cultural and educational facilities. It offers advanced training programmes in classical equestrian arts, a junior academy for introducing children to horsemanship, and promotes the values of this noble art in a safe learning environment.