The Emirates Arabian Horse Society launched its flagship national event on Thursday at the Grand Hall of Boudheib Academy in Abu Dhabi, drawing competitors from studs throughout the country. According to the organising body, the championship forms a central part of the approved 2026-2027 season calendar that includes 17 events and five international shows. Organisers expect the high turnout to showcase the steady improvement in UAE breeding programmes, with entries nearly doubling those of the preceding EAHS National Arabian Horse Championship that featured 253 horses owned by 179 participants.
Emirates Arabian Horse Society figures show previous editions have grown steadily, with the 2024 national show attracting 405 horses from 209 owners while a later contest registered 460 entries from 230 participants. This year’s edition of the UAE National Arabian Horse Championship opens with 500 horses competing, reflecting sustained investment in the sector and rising breeder confidence. The society has positioned the competition as a key platform for monitoring progress in local bloodlines from one season to the next.
Qualifying rounds on the opening day focused on female horses, including yearling fillies, junior fillies and mares four years and older, according to the event schedule released by the Emirates Arabian Horse Society. Male classes for colts and stallions will follow in subsequent sessions, leading to six championship finals that will award gold, silver and bronze titles. The programme aligns with the society’s broader calendar that began earlier in October with Sharjah auctions and festivals.
The society is deploying its proprietary Rabdan judging system across all classes to deliver transparent scoring and instant result announcements. Developed internally to meet international standards, the digital platform has drawn interest from several countries considering its adoption for their own events. International judges participating in the championship have noted the system’s contribution to fairness and efficiency during high-volume competitions.
International judge Yousef Al Kuwari told WAM that the National Championship ranks among the leading Arabian horse events and serves as an important platform to display the quality of domestic breeding programmes. He highlighted the strong interest from owners and breeders at the season’s start. Mohammed Abdul Hamid Taha, owner of Jumeirah Arabian Horse Stud, stated that national leadership support has elevated the UAE’s global standing in the discipline, as evidenced by growing participation numbers.
The Emirates Arabian Horse Society organises the championship to support owners, enhance organisational standards and align with the highest international benchmarks for equestrian events. Participation in such national shows has contributed to the UAE’s reputation in preserving and improving Purebred Arabian lines since the inaugural Dubai International Arabian Horse Show in 1993. The current edition concludes the opening phase of a season that runs through April 2027 and incorporates both local and international competitions.