Abu Dhabi Equestrian and Turf Club racing towards high-class expansion

The Abu Dhabi Equestrian and Turf Club is poised for substantial growth and expansion, capitalizing on a rich heritage and a distinctive vision for the future. Founded in 1976 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the club marks its 50th anniversary this year. It began as a riding club, subsequently becoming a hub for Arabian horses, and held its inaugural race in 1991.

This year, the club intends to leverage its milestone as a catalyst for its most ambitious redevelopment project to date. Dubbed the Al Khail Square project, it was unveiled in December 2025 by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The objective of the Al Khail Square project is to elevate Abu Dhabi's equestrian sector while seamlessly integrating it into a contemporary urban framework, thereby enhancing the city's overall quality of life and supporting the emirate's aspirations for new communities.

The site, which already hosts a country club, a golf club, The Arcades, and a shopping mall, will undergo a significant transformation, incorporating advanced equestrian facilities, upscale residential spaces, modern healthcare establishments, a diverse array of commercial establishments, and a state-of-the-art members' club. All these elements will be interconnected around pedestrian walkways and expansive green areas, designed to offer a unified and immersive experience for visitors.

Dayle Brown, the chief sports & equestrian officer of Al Khail Square, emphasized that the redevelopment aims to create a seamless journey for patrons, allowing them to engage in a variety of activities such as horse racing, leisure, and recreation. Beyond serving as a racing venue, Al Khail Square is envisioned to become one of Abu Dhabi's premier lifestyle and real estate destinations, anchored by the rich legacy of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian and Turf Club.

"We intend to stay true to our own DNA and history, but develop that internationally – become our own destination from a different perspective than what already exists in the GCC and the UAE," Brown stated. Historically, Meydan Racecourse in Dubai has been synonymous with prestigious horse racing events, hosting the Dubai World Cup, one of the most lucrative races with a total prize pool of $30.5 million.

In response to Dubai's success, Abu Dhabi established its flagship event, the Gold Cup, a $1 million race that has attracted international thoroughbred competitors. Brown highlighted the unique distinction between the two races, not in terms of scale or prestige, but in the nature of the horses. While Meydan emphasizes thoroughbred racehorses, Abu Dhabi Turf Club incorporates both purebred Arabian horses and thoroughbreds, thereby offering a different facet to the UAE's racing landscape.

This emphasis on the purebred Arabian tradition, which predated the country's thoroughbred racing boom, adds a new dimension to the sport's presence in the UAE. The Al Khail Square redevelopment is not solely aimed at bolstering the club itself; it symbolizes a broader strategy to solidify Abu Dhabi's status as a global hub for horse racing and equestrian sports.

At the project's launch, Sheikh Mansour emphasized that the development will serve as a way to integrate the club's five-decade legacy into a modern urban setting, thereby reinforcing the emirate's position as a leader in the equestrian world.