Our History
A Haven for Horses
Established in 1976 through the visionary foresight of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club has evolved from an equine sanctuary into a premier venue for equestrian excellence and exclusive events.
The Club boasts a championship turf racetrack, bespoke training tracks, versatile equestrian arenas, and pristine stables, all complemented by cutting-edge amenities such as a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic, Country Club and a 9-hole golf course.
Following extensive renovations in 2023 under the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and the President of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, ADEC now boasts an elevated grandstand with a seating capacity for 5,000 guests, exclusive VIP suites, and air-conditioned stables.
Positioned as a premier destination for both national and international competitions, ADEC’s grounds play host to a vibrant calendar of equestrian spectacles, attracting enthusiasts from across the globe from November through April. Among the seasonal highlights are the prestigious Group 1 International Jewel Crown Cup and the esteemed Presidents Cup.
The Riding School is a pinnacle of equestrian education, accredited by the British Horse Society (BHS) and welcoming riders of all levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors.
Visitors can expect to receive professional guidance and coaching from BHS qualified coaches, who specialise in dressage, jumping, and equine care.
The curriculum is tailored to cater to the unique requirements of each horse and rider, fostering a nurturing environment for skill development and personal growth. The school also serves as a hub for BHS Training Courses and Assessments up to Stage 4.
Today:
Under Visionary Guidance & Influence
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan was born in Abu Dhabi in 1970. After receiving his high school diploma through the Abu Dhabi school system, His Highness continued his studies in the United States, where, in 1993, he was awarded his Bachelor’s degree in International Relations.
In 1997, HH Sheikh Mansour was appointed as Chairman of the Office of his late father, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a post he held until Sheikh Zayed’s sad demise in November 2004.
In that same month, HH Sheikh Mansour was appointed as the Minister of Presidential Affairs, a ministerial portfolio created following the amalgamation of The Office of HH the President and The Presidential Court to form the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.
In May 2009, with the formation of the new Cabinet, HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed was appointed Deputy Prime Minister, a position he holds to date. In July 2022, HH Sheikh Mansour was named Minister of the Presidential Court, following the Federal Decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.
- UAE Vice President
- Deputy Prime Minister
- The Chairman of the Presidential Court
- Chairman of the Ministerial Council for Development
- Chairman of the Board of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)
- Chairman of the Emirates Investment Authority (EIA)
- Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)
- Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA)
- Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)
- Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa Award for Education
- Chairman of the Khalifa bin Zayed Charity Foundation (KBZF)
- Deputy Chairman of the General Budget Committee (Federal)
- Member of the Abu Dhabi Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC)
- Member of the Board of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)
- Member of the Board of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
- Member of the Abu Dhabi Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs
- Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mubadala Investment Company
- Chairman of Al Jazira Club
- Chairman of the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA)
- Chairman of the Emirates Arabian Horse Society (EAHS)
- Chairman of the Board of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
H.E. Eng. Ali Al Shaiba
Director General
H.E. Eng. Ali Al Shaiba serves as Director General for the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
With a diverse portfolio of leadership roles, Al Shaiba has contributed significantly to the development of the media landscape in the UAE.
Al Shaiba served as Executive Director and Advisor for the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) in Abu Dhabi. Prior to that, he held the role of Executive Director of Commercial at Abu Dhabi Media Network, solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the media sector.
Anthony Lowry
Equestrian Director
Anthony serves as the Equestrian Director at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Lowry brings a wealth of experience in Equestrian Facility Management, Coaching, and Business Management.
With a proven track record of success in both the equestrian and business sectors, he is renowned for his ability to drive excellence and achievement. His dedication to the industry is evident in his commitment to mentoring talented riders and teams.
As an accredited BHS Coach and Assessor, Lowry’s expertise in coaching has been instrumental in the development of riders and teams under his guidance. His role as an FEI Level 1 Course Designer for retraining racehorses further showcases his multifaceted skill set and dedication to the equestrian field.
