The Royal Academy of Equestrian Arts has opened in Abu Dhabi, becoming the fifth of its kind in the world and the first outside Europe. Located on Jubail Island, the academy aims to establish equestrianism as a genuine Arab and global heritage, blending tradition with innovation. The academy offers five diverse programs. The first is a four-year program that prepares a rider from a beginner to a professional Olympic level. The second, unique to the Arab world, is a two-year program focused on equestrian ceremony, reflecting the dignity and majesty of the nation at official events. The third program is for horse and equestrian specialists, while the fourth is for experienced riders looking to hone their skills with world-class coaches. The academy also features a program for children with special needs and a junior program for riders aged 4 to 16. Notably, the academy's programs are not limited to humans; it also offers a program for horses, accepting them for a year-long residency to train them to an Olympic standard. The academy also houses the Museum of Equestrian Arts, the largest in the Arab world, featuring 173 rare artifacts, some over 2000 years old, and a library that is the second-largest equestrian library in the world. It is also home to 'Dar Al-Hiraf,' the first saddlery workshop in the UAE, dedicated to reviving and developing the traditional craft.
