Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club nurtures the next generation of Emirati riders

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, an expanded training initiative equips young riders with skills to compete at the highest levels of equestrian sport.

The unmistakable thud of hooves on sandy ground, the particular grace demanded of a rider in the saddle, the ancient discipline of polo passed from one generation to the next: these elements form the heart of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club’s latest expansion, a comprehensive initiative designed to cultivate young Emirati talent within the equestrian sphere.

Under the direction of H.H. Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, the “Fares Abu Dhabi” programme has been enlarged to encompass expanded training and development pathways for young riders and students. The initiative, supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and undertaken in coordination with the Ministry of Education and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, represents a thoughtful commitment to preserving polo’s heritage whilst preparing a new generation to compete at both local and international level.

Since its launch, the Fares Abu Dhabi initiative has generated considerable enthusiasm among students and young riders from various age groups. The programme combines theoretical instruction with practical training sessions, complemented by school visits designed to inspire broader interest in horsemanship and equestrian sport. Ten young Emirati riders have recently joined the active training programmes at Ghantoot Club, where specialised coaches guide their development and refinement of technique, skills and competitive readiness.

Ahmed Ali Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, has emphasised that nurturing young riders and enhancing their capabilities remains central to the club’s strategic vision. The initiative reflects a deeper commitment to transmitting the rich sporting legacy of polo to younger generations, alongside instruction in the traditional values, heritage and fundamental techniques associated with horsemanship. This intergenerational dialogue, he noted, strengthens cultural continuity whilst providing comprehensive training in the rules, methods and disciplines of polo and related traditional sports.

The programme’s success rests significantly on collaborative partnership with strategic institutions including the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Ministry of Education and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge. As Pink Polo recently demonstrated at Ghantoot, the club’s commitment to inclusive equestrian engagement extends across multiple formats and audiences, uniting sport with community celebration.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The expansion of Fares Abu Dhabi reflects the Emirates’ broader strategic investment in developing homegrown sporting talent and preserving the cultural heritage bound to traditional equestrian pursuits. By equipping young Emiratis with professional training and competitive pathways, the initiative strengthens Abu Dhabi’s presence within international polo and equestrian competition, positioning emerging riders to represent their nation at the highest levels.

The programme also reinforces the role of educational institutions and sports governance in fostering youth development. Through coordinated efforts involving the Ministry of Education, ADEK, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the initiative demonstrates how strategic collaboration can create structured pathways from school engagement through to competitive excellence, nurturing both talent and cultural continuity for future generations.

Report sourced from WAM (Emirates News Agency)