The Royal Stables and UAERF launch Para Dressage Performance Programme
The Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi launched the UAE Para Dressage Performance Programme with the UAE Equestrian & Racing Federation (UAERF).
Held at the historic Sheikh Zayed Majlis, the event marked a pivotal moment in the nation's journey towards building a competitive UAE para dressage team for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
First announced last month, the Para Dressage Performance Programme is a pioneering initiative designed to empower athletes of determination and provide a structured development pathway to compete internationally. With its roots in the founding vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the programme highlights The Royal Stables' continued commitment to inclusion, talent development and sporting excellence in the UAE.
The launch event brought together senior figures from the equestrian community and stakeholders from UAE government entities for People of Determination for a press conference introducing the scope of the programme, its leadership team and its long-term ambitions.
The event highlighted the federation's support for the initiative, aligning with their broader strategy to promote dressage and para sport across the UAE.
Buthaina Abdullah Mohamed Ali Al Mazrouei, Member of the Board at The Royal Stables, welcomed guests with opening remarks that reflected on the cultural significance of equestrianism in Emirati heritage and the importance of creating opportunities for all athletes to thrive.
She spoke from the very majlis where the legacy of The Royal Stables was first established in 1969, underlining the symbolic importance of the moment.
Dr Ghanem Al Hajri, Secretary General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, addressed attendees on behalf of the Federation, affirming their commitment to inclusion, collaboration and long-term athlete development.
Dr Hajri also expressed confidence in para dressage as the next major growth discipline in the UAE, and in the potential of UAE athletes to reach the world stage.
Laura Richardson, Performance Manager of the Para Dressage Performance Programme, thanked The Royal Stables for their vision and outlined how the initiative is already underway, with early athlete assessments taking place.
She highlighted that the programme is designed not just to achieve sporting success, but to create lasting opportunities for athletes of determination.
With clear milestones including the Asian Championships and Asian Games, the goal of reaching Los Angeles 2028 is now firmly in motion.
Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Technical Lead of the Para Dressage Performance Programme, delivered a compelling address outlining how the initiative will be grounded in science-led coaching, sports medicine and biomechanical analysis. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience working with Paralympic athletes, Dr MacKechnie-Guire expressed his excitement for developing UAE riders and helping them achieve elite-level performance on the world stage.
The launch also offered guests a glimpse into the future home of the UAE para dressage team. The Royal Stables' extensive redevelopment includes a new indoor arena, clubhouse, accommodation and treatment facilities.
Central to the training programme are two Racewood riding simulators — highly advanced tools used in leading equestrian nations to support rider development and accessibility.
The simulators allow for fully customisable positioning and analysis, providing a vital training step for para-athletes, complementing their arena work with the team dressage horses.
Governed by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), para dressage is the only equestrian discipline included in the Paralympic Games, where it has featured since 1996.
The sport follows a graded classification system to ensure fair and competitive participation across a wide range of impairments.
The Royal Stables' team of experts will oversee all aspects of athlete and horse welfare, with a long-term vision to establish the UAE as a leader in inclusive equestrian sport.
The Royal Stables continues to welcome applications from aspiring para dressage athletes, as well as interest from potential sponsors and partners who wish to support this landmark initiative.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
4 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Historic treble for FMAC in 2024–2025 Taekwondo general excellence shields
In an exceptional achievement that reaffirms its leadership in the UAE taekwondo scene, the Fujairah Martial Arts Club (FMAC) clinched three of the most prestigious general excellence shields for the 2024–2025 season—continuing its streak of victories for the seventh consecutive year. This season saw the UAE Taekwondo Federation introduce new categories for the Excellence Shield, including the Men's General Excellence Shield, Women's General Excellence Shield, and the Overall General Excellence Shield. Fujairah Martial Arts Club succeeded in winning all three shields, becoming the first Emirati club in history to claim first place in all categories in a single season—a historic feat that reflects the level of professionalism and dedication within the club. The awards ceremony was graced by the presence of several prominent figures, including Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, President of the UAE Taekwondo Federation, Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, Khalid Issa Al Midfa, President of Sharjah Sports Club, and Suleiman Al Hajri, President of Sharjah Individual Games Club as well as a number of club presidents and key sports leaders in the country, giving the event a formal and celebratory atmosphere that underscored the significance of this national sporting achievement. Nader Abu Al-Shawish, Director of the Fujairah Martial Arts Club, expressed his pride in this achievement, stating that it reflects the sustainability the club has worked to instill since its inception. He emphasized that the win is a practical embodiment of the vision of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and President of the Club, to establish Fujairah as a leading platform for sports and excellence at both national and regional levels. 'We believe that success is only achieved through teamwork and collective effort. I extend my gratitude to the technical, administrative, and medical teams—and everyone who contributed to this achievement—for their dedication, commitment, and high competitive spirit throughout the season's events,' he added. With these results, the Fujairah Martial Arts Club continues to paint a bright picture for Emirati sports, remaining a role model in developing champions and nurturing talent. Operating under a fully professional system, the club reinforces sustainability and motivates continued success in upcoming seasons.
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Dibba Al Hisn celebrates Dibba Club's ADNOC League promotion
Spirit of brotherhood between clubs The visit reflects the spirit of unity and cooperation between UAE sports clubs. Ahmed Saeed Al Dhanhani, Chairman of Dibba Club's Board of Directors, received the delegation at the club's headquarters in the presence of several board members. Words of congratulations from Dibba Al Hisn The delegation was led by Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Mutawa Al Hindasi, Chairman of Dibba Al Hisn Club's Board of Directors. He offered warm congratulations to Dibba Club's management, describing the promotion as the result of collaborative efforts by the club's leadership, staff, and players. He added that the achievement is a source of pride for all clubs in the region and contributes positively to Emirati sports. Strengthening cooperation and shared development Ahmed Saeed Al Dhanhani welcomed the gesture and emphasized the importance of such visits in fostering strong relationships between clubs. He highlighted how these interactions encourage knowledge exchange and cooperation, supporting development at both sporting and institutional levels. Tour of Dibba Club facilities During the visit, the delegation toured Dibba Stadium's modern facilities, where they observed the club's advancements in infrastructure, technical capabilities, and professionalism. The delegation praised the impressive progress made by Dibba Club. Promoting ongoing collaboration At the conclusion of the visit, Al Dhanhani expressed his gratitude for the kind gesture, describing the initiative as a model for promoting mutual respect and collaboration between sports institutions. He also underscored the importance of maintaining such ties to support the national goals of sports development.
Dubai Eye
5 days ago
- Dubai Eye
Team Emirates-XRG makes history at Giro d'Italia
Crossing the finish line in Rome amongst the peloton, Isaac del Toro brought the 2025 Giro d'Italia to a historic close for the UAE Team Emirates-XRG - placing second overall on his debut. The Mexican cyclist becomes the second-youngest podium finisher in race history and the first from his country to ever win the young rider's classification. In fact, Del Toro is the first Mexican to ever wear the Maglia Bianca, adding this to a long list of accomplishments he has achieved over the last three weeks. It has been a stellar race for both the 21-year-old and his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates, all of whom took to the podium in Rome to celebrate winning the team classification. The Emirati squad end the first Grand Tour of the season with two memorable stage victories, taken by Juan Ayuso and Del Toro. The first, won by Ayuso on stage 7, saw the Spaniard triumph on the race's first summit finish, with his Mexican teammate crossing the line in second. It was a maiden Grand Tour stage victory for Ayuso, with Del Toro following suit in the third week. Through the next 11 days of racing, Del Toro came of age on the grandest stage, riding with a maturity beyond his years to have Mexico dreaming of its first Grand Tour success. In surpassing Fausto Coppi's record from the 1940 Giro d'Italia, Del Toro became the youngest rider in history to wear the Maglia Rosa for 11 consecutive stages. Ending the race with Del Toro on the podium, Brandon McNulty in 9th, victory in the team classification and a credible 7th place for Filippo Baroncini on stage 21, UAE Team Emirates-XRG can be proud of everything it has achieved between the Grande Partenza in Albania and Sunday's final stage in Rome.
