Market Information

The Middle East’s equine industry

A revival of the region’s historic love for horses and ambitious new projects that support a range of equestrian-related leisure activities have resulted in tremendous growth in the Middle East’s equine industry over the past few years.

Dubai, world-renowned for its pioneering property development, is particularly committed to supporting this trend. Home to the internationally renowned and acclaimed Godolphin, the city is continually strengthening its position as a leader in the equestrian world. Some of its more recent record-breaking projects include:

  • The Plantation Equestrian and Polo Club, the world’s biggest riding facility located in Dubailand, which will offer outstanding facilities including a polo club and polo academy, international show jumping and dressage venue, riding school and equine studies college
  • Arabian Ranches – tailor-made residences for equestrian enthusiasts. A full service Equestrian Centre is at the heart of the community, which is inspired by the bold heritage of the Arabian horse and themed around Andalusian style architecture. The on-site facilities and amenities include a Spanish style Polo Club, complete with lounges and dining areas, riding gear and tack shop, spa, swimming pool and many more recreational facilities.

Dubai also hosts the following international equestrian events every year:

  • The Dubai World Cup - the richest horse race in the world
  • The FEI/UAE World Cup Endurance (former World's Preferred Endurance Ride)
  • The Metropolitan Polo Beach Cup
  • The Dubai International Horse Championship, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Centre
  • The Dubai International Horse Fair – the perfect gateway to the region’s ever growing equestrian market!

In December 2006, Doha hosted the 15th Asian Games with the four equestrian disciplines: dressage, eventing, jumping and endurance. These competitions attracted thousands of visitors and increased the popularity of the sport in the region.

The Moroccan government has sealed a US$ 1.4 billion deal for two development projects: the Marrakech Equestrian City in Marrakech and the Cap Malabata Resort in Tangiers. The former will be a mixed-use sporting, leisure and residential complex. Spread over a total area of 380 hectares, it will boast a world-class horseracing track and grandstands, supported by state-of-the-art stabling and veterinary facilities.

The Equestrian Club of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia was founded in 1965 (1385H). It conducts thoroughbred horse racing at its two racetracks in Riyadh and Taif. Until recently, racing was held in Malaz, Riyadh. Also in the news is a US$ 3.6 billion Equestrian Resort project in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.