Anyone visiting the shows in the Emirates or Qatar immediately notices that the level of local combinations has soared over the past decade. This applies not only to the riders but also to the infrastructure. From hyper-modern facilities featuring climate-controlled stabling to the recruitment of world-renowned course designers on pristine surfaces, the quality is now on par with the European and American elite. The region has become a formidable player on the global stage.

But what drives the Emirs, Sheikhs, Sheikhas, and Princes to invest so heavily? It has long been about more than just Arabian Thoroughbreds, the region’s traditional pride. Various capitals have established facilities suitable for dressage, jumping, polo, and racing. Furthermore, the prize money on offer is staggering.

A Counterpoint to Elitism

“Show jumping was very low level ten years ago. Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan has one goal: keeping the sport accessible,” explains Hannah McCabe, Communications Manager for the Al Shira’aa Tour. "She does this with a respect to the basis of our sport and with admiration for the highest level."

Notably, regional investment is also flowing back into Europe. "That is precisely why the Tour is committed to preserving top international competitions in Europe, such as Hickstead, Lisbon, Bolesworth, and Chantilly. We want to provide accessible and equitable opportunities, keeping Al Shira'aa's mission of 'bringing sport to the people' front and centre."

Why Riders are Crossing the Globe

What is making the Middle East ‘booming’ all of a sudden? It is a long-term process, comparable to the tourism development of Dubai. The founders' vision was simple: use oil revenues to make the region attractive to the outside world. That same philosophy is now being applied to equestrian sports.

According to McCabe, more and more European riders recognize the added value:

  • Logistical Ease: Quarantine regulations are often more straightforward than those for the United States.

  • Lower Costs: Air travel to the region is relatively affordable compared to trans-Atlantic flights.

  • No ‘Pay-to-Play’: Unlike some American tours, there is no requirement to purchase expensive VIP tables or rider passes. The region invests in the sport itself, actively inviting experts, media, and riders to participate in its development.

Beyond Prejudices

"The Al Shira’aa initiative is something we must embrace. They want to preserve the sport globally and are building a bridge to Europe.” Constant van Paesschen says. Growth in the region often happens in the shadow of Western prejudices. McCabe, a Briton herself, is clear on this: "Just as the sport has evolved, so has society in the region. Unfortunately, clickbait-driven headlines in parts of Europe and beyond continue to present an outdated view of this part of the world. As a seasoned expat of 18 years who chose the UAE to raise my family, it’s frustrating to read negative commentary about the place I proudly call home, particularly when it is unfounded!"

Despite the leaps forward, the region, much like Europe, still faces challenges. There is a loud call for further professionalization  This is less about the technical support for horse and rider, which is already world-class, but rather the peripheral conditions: seamless communication, consistent event buildup, and the overall spectator experience. But the biggest challenge? The season is to short for the growing demand."

Political Contrast

The major difference lies in the political climate. While European equestrian entrepreneurs increasingly encounter bureaucratic and political policies that hinder rather than help, the situation in the Middle East is the exact opposite. In the Emirates and Qatar, entrepreneurship is celebrated and facilitated. While the European sector fights against tightening regulations, the sport in the Middle East has the political wind in its sails.

The Pro Experience: A Focus on Hospitality

Belgian top rider Constant van Paesschen and Abdel Saïd have been competing in the region since the early days. Van Paesschen notes a clear difference from traditional shows in Southern Europe.

“The emphasis on hospitality is immense. Not just for the riders, but specifically for the horses and grooms. There is 100% focus on their welfare. This translates into quiet, work-friendly stables and excellent facilities for the entire team,” says Van Paesschen. “You can see they are making significant strides, both organizationally and in the riding itself. While some aspects remain rudimentary or superficial for now, we must support these local investors. They are taking on an increasingly prominent role in global equestrian sports and are safeguarding the heritage of the sport by supporting key European shows.”

Heritage versus Status Symbol

In the Middle East, the horse is inextricably linked to ‘heritage.’ It is woven into the history and identity of the region. This creates a unique dynamic: a competition is not just a sporting event, but a crucial networking moment. However, there is a flip side. Where the passion for the animal often forms the core in Europe, the horse in the Gulf region is sometimes still used as a pure status symbol. This carries risks: when a horse becomes merely an object of prestige, one loses grip on the shared passion and the deeper connection with the animal. The underlying approach to the sport there remains fundamentally different from the European tradition.