Horse Riding in Abu Dhabi

Horse riding in Abu Dhabi brings together things the emirate is known for: the sea, the desert, and a long-standing love of horses. According to Visit Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi's bond with horses goes back centuries, to when the Bedouin, the Arab nomads, relied on the horse in daily life. Today you can ride on the beach at sunrise or sunset, or take the horse into the water.

The beach ride takes place on Hudayriyat Island, near Al Bateen. According to Visit Abu Dhabi, the island's riding centre offers beach rides at sunrise and sunset, is open every day between 5:30 AM and 7:30 PM, and suits riders of all levels. The instructors include a female instructor. You ride along the waterline at a comfortable pace, with an instructor alongside you.

A truly special experience is swimming with horses. You ride into the water, and the horse keeps walking and swims as the water gets deeper. It is a special feeling of closeness between person and horse. The island also has pony rides for young children, as a first, gentle introduction to horses, and on certain dates each month there are full-moon rides on the beach.

Who is it for? Families with children, couples, and anyone who loves animals. No previous experience is needed. Experienced riders can ask for a faster pace, and beginners ride slowly, with an instructor beside them. Tip: sunrise and sunset are the most pleasant and most beautiful times for a beach ride, so it is worth planning your ride for one of them.

Sunrise and sunset are the most pleasant times for a ride on the beach, and the riding centre at Hudayriyat is open every day from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM. In the hot summer months it is better to ride early in the morning.