The Royal Stables are set to make history as they host the UAE National Dressage Championships for the first time on April 11–12, 2026. Organised in partnership with the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, this grand event will gather the nation’s leading riders and horses for the crowning moment of the national dressage season.
Over the course of two days at this renowned Abu Dhabi venue, more than 50 combinations will compete for the prestigious National Championship titles in all competition levels. The opening day features the set test classes, a display of prescribed movements where riders are judged on precision, harmony, and technical execution. On the second day, excitement builds with the popular Freestyle classes, where competitors combine athleticism and creativity, presenting choreographed routines to music for an engaged audience.
The competition takes place in The Royal Stables’ state-of-the-art indoor arena, inaugurated earlier this year and specially designed to host both national and international events. With grandstand seating and an on-site café, the facility offers spectators a full, immersive experience—putting them at the centre of the action during both days. Proceedings begin at 09:00 am each morning, with a full slate of classes that highlight the depth and progression of dressage talent across the UAE.
A particularly befitting venue for the Championships, The Royal Stables also serves as the home of the UAE’s Para Dressage Performance Programme. Here, Emirati athletes are pursuing a structured high-performance path towards qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. This programme exemplifies the venue’s dedication to nurturing elite talent and supporting the future of equestrian sport in the country.
Laura Richardson, General Manager of The Royal Stables and Team UAE Dressage rider, said, “We are incredibly proud to host the UAE National Dressage Championships for the first time. The Royal Stables has quickly established itself as a high-performance facility, and to welcome the country’s top athletes to compete here is a significant milestone. Events like this are vital in supporting the continued growth of dressage in the UAE and providing riders with the platform they deserve.“
Dr Ghanem Al Hajri, Secretary General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, added, “We are thankful to The Royal Stables for hosting this year’s UAE National Dressage Championships and for their continued support of the sport. It is exciting to witness the rapid growth of dressage in the UAE, with increasing participation and a rising standard of competition, reflecting the strength and ambition of our national equestrian community.“
As the season finale, the UAE National Dressage Championships represent a pivotal event in the national dressage calendar—one that unites elite sport, community involvement, and a celebration of the discipline’s remarkable progress within the region.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
