The Emirates Arabian Horse Society crowns its champions across six disciplines

Two hundred and fifty three horses from across the UAE competed over two days at Boudheib Academy, with international judges praising the organisation and calibre of the nation's breeding programmes.

The Grand Hall of Boudheib Academy fell quiet as the final awards were presented on Wednesday evening, concluding two days of competition that saw the Emirates Arabian Horse Society’s National Championship affirm the UAE’s standing as a centre of excellence in Arabian horse breeding and championship organisation.

Across six categories, ownership of the coveted gold titles passed to a diverse group of breeders and studs. A.S. Aldharab, owned by Sumaya Hussain Mohammad Abdulqader Abbas, secured the Stallions Championship, while the Yearling Fillies Championship went to JA Ajayeb Aljzeera of Al Jazeera Arabian Horse Stud. Joana Alremas of Al Remas Arabian Horse Stud claimed the Fillies Championship, and Gazelle BHM, owned by Ali Ghanem Ali Humaila Al Mazrouei, triumphed in the Mares Championship. AD Julphar, owned by Khaled Abdulla Mohamed Ebrahim Al Shehhi, won the Yearling Colts Championship, while Hadif Al Bahya, owned by Shafi Saeed Mohamed Rashed Al Mansoori, took gold in the Colts Championship.

The breadth of participation across the UAE’s studs underscores a thriving sector. With 179 owners bringing horses to compete, as we reported in our coverage of the opening day, the championship demonstrated the strength of local Arabian horse production and the continued growth of the discipline across the nation.

Emma Maxwell, an international judge, observed that the championships hosted by the UAE represent a global model of competence and organisation. She commended the management of such large numbers of horses and the technical standard evident in the wide participation of breeders, particularly Emiratis. The judging panels, she explained, evaluate horses with accuracy and fairness, allowing owners insight into their animals’ strengths and areas for development. She noted too that the UAE plays a pivotal role in supporting Arabian horses worldwide through organising championships, launching the Emirates Arabian Horse Global Cup, and running educational initiatives and specialist lectures that disseminate knowledge and build expertise internationally.

Mohammed Abdul Hamid Taha, owner of Jumeirah Arabian Horse Stud, attributed the championship’s success to the support of the nation’s wise leadership, which has strengthened the UAE’s standing among leading countries in Arabian horse championships. He noted that participation exceeded 250 horses and revealed that the next National Championship will welcome more than 500, reflecting the momentum gathering behind the sport. He particularly praised the Rabdan system, which displays results with full transparency and has attracted the interest of several countries seeking to adopt it within their own championships.

Abdullah Anwar, a handler and trainer, described the season as opening with an outstanding technical and organisational standard. The championship, he observed, gave non qualified horses an important opportunity to showcase their abilities and qualify for the next stages. He commended the Society’s role in organising the event and the UAE’s efforts to support Arabian horse championships at home and abroad, highlighting the Rabdan judging system’s moment by moment announcements of results, which he said enhance transparency and allow owners, trainers and handlers to follow competition with ease.

As we reported when UAE studs secured 12 titles at the International Arabian Horse Championship in Morocco earlier this month, the nation’s equine excellence continues to resonate on the global stage. The Emirates Arabian Horse Society has structured its 2026–2027 season programme to develop Arabian horse championships, support owners and breeders, and raise organisational standards in line with the highest international practices, all aimed at strengthening the UAE’s position as a leading hub for Arabian horse events.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The championship demonstrates the vitality of the UAE’s Arabian horse sector and the excellence of its breeders, owners and organisational infrastructure. The participation of 253 horses from 179 owners, combined with international judges’ recognition of the event’s calibre, affirms Abu Dhabi’s role as a centre of equine expertise and heritage preservation. The announcement that the next National Championship will accommodate more than 500 horses signals the sector’s continued expansion and the confidence of breeders in the UAE’s commitment to the discipline.

The Rabdan judging system, which has attracted international interest and may be adopted by other nations, exemplifies the UAE’s contribution to elevating standards beyond its own borders. Such innovation in championship organisation reflects the nation’s vision of positioning itself as a global leader in Arabian horse events, strengthening its cultural and sporting reputation whilst supporting the livelihoods and aspirations of a diverse community of breeders and owners across the Emirates.

Source: WAM