Empowered Individuals Showcase Exceptional Equestrian Skills at Abu Dhabi Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition

UAE's Paralympic Equestrian Program Sets Ambitious Course for Los Angeles 2028

The UAE is positioning itself as a regional leader in Paralympic sports development through an innovative equestrian program that has already sent athletes to train with Britain's gold medal-winning teams. At the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, two Emirati riders showcased skills that represent a broader national strategy to compete at the highest levels of Paralympic competition, culminating in the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

Royal Stables Program Delivers International Training Opportunities

Farestan Wafa Al Dahmani and Fatima Al Balushi demonstrated their dressage skills at the Royal Stables pavilion, highlighting the success of a program that has provided them with elite training opportunities in Britain. The initiative represents a significant investment in Paralympic sport development, connecting Emirati athletes directly with proven international champions.

Al Dahmani emphasized that the exhibition serves as a "friend" to people of determination, offering initiatives designed to enhance their skills and elevate their ambitions through developmental programs. This approach reflects the UAE's systematic method of building Paralympic capability through sustained, high-quality support systems.

Strategic Investment in Paralympic Excellence

The Royal Stables program in Abu Dhabi has created a pathway that takes athletes from local development through international training partnerships to Paralympic competition. By facilitating training with Britain's multiple gold medal-winning Paralympic equestrian team, the UAE is accessing proven expertise that could accelerate its competitive timeline significantly.

This model mirrors successful approaches used by other Gulf nations, particularly in sports where traditional advantages can be leveraged. The UAE's investment in equestrian sports builds on existing cultural connections to horsemanship while creating new opportunities for Paralympic achievement.

Building Toward Los Angeles 2028

The 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics represents a clear target for this program, providing a four-year development window that aligns with typical Paralympic preparation cycles. The UAE's approach of combining domestic infrastructure with international training partnerships could prove particularly effective in equestrian sports, where access to elite coaching and competition experience often determines success levels.

For the broader Paralympic movement, the UAE's systematic approach to developing competitive programs demonstrates how nations can leverage existing cultural strengths and international partnerships to build world-class capabilities relatively quickly. The focus on equestrian sports also represents a strategic choice, targeting disciplines where smaller nations can compete effectively against traditional Paralympic powerhouses through focused investment and expert coaching.