After three days of packed events, the Royal School of Abu Dhabi for Equestrian Arts successfully concluded yesterday its cultural initiative celebrating the 'Year of the Horse' in the Chinese calendar. The events, organized in cooperation with the UAE Embassy in the People's Republic of China, were held at the school's premises on Al Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi. They highlighted the depth and vitality of the cultural dialogue between the two nations, serving as a platform for human connection, community engagement, and cultural diplomacy with a forward-looking vision. His Excellency Hussein Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China, stated: 'The celebration of the 'Year of the Horse' reflects the strength of Emirati-Chinese relations, highlighting the role of cultural exchange in deepening cooperation and mutual understanding, and enhancing communication between the peoples of the two countries through the celebration of shared heritage and values.' Through equestrian arts, the 'Year of the Horse' celebration embodied the evolution of relations between the UAE and China towards a partnership based on human connection and direct cultural exchange. Throughout the event days, the Royal School of Abu Dhabi for Equestrian Arts opened its doors to families, artists, equestrian enthusiasts, and those interested in cultural affairs, offering a rich experience that reflected shared values and contributed to cultural learning and dialogue between the two nations. The program featured a comprehensive cultural experience that showcased the significance of the horse throughout history, drawing inspiration from traditional and cosmological tales from Chinese astronomy and the heritage of the desert in the Arabian Gulf region. It also included creative workshops, tea ceremonies, performances, as well as the traditional Chinese Lion Dance and the Emirati art of Al Ayala. In its final segment, the program shed light on the horse as a symbol of discipline, mastery, and strength through interactive artistic experiences, culminating in the 'Equestrianism: Return to the Roots' performance—a signature show of the Royal School of Abu Dhabi for Equestrian Arts, which expresses the profound bond between rider and horse across cultures and centuries, presenting heritage in a vibrant form that combines motion and a high level of artistic performance, uniting discipline and beauty.
