In Focus | Dubai World Cup 2011
Dubai - land of the horse
The association between Arabia and horses has been recognised worldwide for many centuries. The Arabian horse has beauty, endurance and speed and is believed to have been in existence in this part of the world for well over 3,000 years.
- By Edward Kennedy, Gulf News Report
- Published: 23:32 May 3, 2009
The image of Arabian horsemen charging across the desert is still a strong part of Arab culture.
The association between Arabia and horses has been recognised worldwide for many centuries. The Arabian horse has beauty, endurance and speed and is believed to have been in existence in this part of the world for well over 3,000 years.
Historically, those with power and wealth throughout the Middle East used these horses as symbols of their status in society. They began creating better and better bloodlines, from which the Arab horses of today have benefited.
Most of the modern horse breeds in the world have some trace of Arab blood.
In fact, the modern thoroughbred as we know it today started with the bloodlines of three Arab stallions that were originally sent to England, the names of which are still familiar today: Godolphin, Darley Arabian and The Beverley Turk.
Equestrian events
The image of Arabian horsemen charging across the desert is still a very strong part of our idea of Arab culture. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has been for many years, and continues to be, a major force in the world of horseracing with some of the best horses in training and breeding around the world. His influence has played a major part in raising the levels of quality in horse breeding and, therefore, the standards of horseracing everywhere.
Part of the growth and development that is synonymous with Dubai today is seen in the increasing number of equestrian-related activities through the development of state-of-the art facilities.
Although the Maktoum family has been actively patronising horseracing, endurance and riding schools, etc., in Dubai for many years now, the influx of many thousands of expatriates has brought a great demand for more and more facilities to accommodate the growing appetite for horse riding activities.
Nad Al Sheba has been the centre of the Dubai horse world for more than 20 years. World-class horse racing at the racetrack, the Old Dubai Polo Club, show jumping and, of course, private livery and riding lessons at the Emirates Riding Association, have been a familiar part of Dubai's social and sporting life for many years.
Some of the recent additions to the equestrian scene are the reorganisation of the Dubai Equestrian Club.
Now under the direction of Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of Shaikh Mohammad, the Dubai Equestrian Club has been granted the responsibility of overseeing all affiliated equestrian events in Dubai in the future. There are great plans to improve all of the facilities at the centre with some of the best people and products from around the world being recruited to assist in its development.
Polo in Dubai has a history of more than 30 years with the founding of the Dubai Polo Club at Abu Khadra. Sadly that club has now been closed down but the spirit and enthusiasm is still alive and well here in Dubai.
Modern facilities
Desert Palm Polo Club, with humble beginnings more than 10 years ago, has grown into the high-quality facility that it is now. Its patron, Ali Al Bawardi, has been successful not only here in Dubai, but he has also created one of the most successful polo teams to ever hit the UK polo scene. This year his team won both the Queens Cup and The British Open, the Gold Cup. The prestige that this brings to Dubai is immeasurable.
The newly opened Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club at Arabian Ranches hopes to carry on the development of polo, show jumping and riding lessons. The club is now playing polo four days a week and is offering an independently operated Polo Academy.
Further plans for the club include the development of 65 luxury homes, the best of which will overlook the polo fields. Owners will have automatic membership to the club.
Show jumping commenced last November, with two days of competing by more than 350 competitors. There are seven federation-appointed competitions to be held at the club this season.
Plantation Polo Club is still in the embryo stage but work has begun on its new polo grounds. The club will feature, in addition to polo, show jumping, private livery and a riding school. The whole project is to revolve around the development of a community of luxury homes.
All of the equestrian activities in Dubai are well served, with many of the world's top manufacturers of saddlery, feed and bedding easily available.
In fact there are two major equestrian trade fairs held at the World Trade Centre every year, featuring all of the best products from around the world.
Richest race
The eyes of the world's racing aficionados have already been set on Dubai for some time now as a result of Shaikh Mohammad's sponsorship of the sport and because Dubai features the world's richest race, the Dubai World Cup.
Show jumpers and polo players around the world are also watching with keen eyes the development of these sports in Dubai with a view to broadening their sporting opportunities.
This is great not only for the visitors but, more importantly, for local riders who will get more and more exposure to the international standards of competition.
There are many local riders already competing in show jumping competitions and polo successfully and with this increased exposure the chances of finding a future equestrian superstar from the UAE are looking good.
- The writer is General Manger, Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club.
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