UAE Promotes Women’s Role in Equestrian and Tent Pegging

The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has officially approved the participation of women riders in tent pegging championships, marking a new chapter in the country's growing commitment to gender equality in sports. This decision is part of the UAE’s long-term plan to encourage women’s participation in all equestrian disciplines, both locally and internationally.

The Federation announced that it is now preparing to form a women’s national team that will compete in local and international tent pegging events. This initiative aims to highlight the skills of Emirati women and their ability to perform strongly in a sport that requires precision, courage, and teamwork.

In its official statement, the Federation praised the outstanding participation of two female riders, Sheikha Mubarak Al Mansouri and Meera Al Khazraji, who took part in recent tent pegging events in Boudheib Village, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai International Endurance City. Their performances have been described as inspirational and have encouraged many more women to consider joining the sport.

The Secretary-General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Dr. Ghanem Mohammed Al Hajeri, emphasized that this decision reflects the Federation’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and developing their competitive skills. He explained that the Federation will continue to implement programs that provide women with access to professional training, competitions, and a supportive sporting environment.

According to Dr. Al Hajeri, women are receiving increasing attention and opportunities within the UAE’s equestrian sector. This effort not only supports gender balance but also strengthens the UAE’s global reputation as a leader in promoting equality and excellence across all fields. He added that by enabling more women to participate in equestrian sports, the Federation is contributing to the country’s vision of advancing social development through sports.

Tent pegging is a traditional equestrian sport with deep cultural roots in the region, requiring riders to use precision and control to remove small ground targets with a lance or sword while riding at full speed. The inclusion of women in such competitions reflects a shift toward modernization and inclusivity within the sport, blending heritage with progress.

Dr. Al Hajeri said that the Federation’s women’s empowerment strategy includes creating a suitable and safe training environment for female athletes. It will also support initiatives that encourage young girls to take up equestrian sports from an early age. “Our focus is to build a new generation of skilled women riders who can represent the UAE in global competitions,” he said.

He also noted that Emirati women have already made great strides in endurance racing, show jumping, and other equestrian disciplines, proving their talent and dedication. The addition of women to tent pegging championships will further strengthen the UAE’s standing in the global equestrian community.

The participation of Sheikha Mubarak Al Mansouri and Meera Al Khazraji serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring riders across the country. Their success has demonstrated that women can compete confidently and skillfully alongside men in challenging equestrian events.

The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has stated that it will continue to support the development of equestrian sports by organizing more inclusive competitions and by introducing new training programs for both male and female athletes. These steps are part of the UAE’s wider vision to nurture sporting excellence and uphold cultural heritage.

The decision to include women in tent pegging championships represents not only a sporting milestone but also a social achievement for the UAE. It highlights the country's continuous efforts to promote equality, empower women, and showcase Emirati talent on the international stage.

With these initiatives, the UAE continues to demonstrate its leadership in supporting women’s participation in sports, while also preserving its rich equestrian traditions.