'Proud Of Daughters': Meet Young Emirati Horsewomen Who Impressed UAE President

Young Emirati girls took part in the Union Parade, riding confidently on galloping horses, saluting the leaders of the country and performing stunts with utmost control. Wearing traditional Emirati attire, the riders demonstrated skill and pride as they performed in front of the UAE President.

Among the performers was Fatima Ahmed Al Rumaithi, 11, from Al Samha in Abu Dhabi. Fatima grew up in a Bedouin environment, riding camels daily with her father, who is an accomplished camel racing competitor.

Her passion for equestrian sports began at age four when she joined a private stable, training until 2018 when activities were paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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After a break, Fatima returned to training in summer 2025 at Bodhib Stables, where she was spotted by another rider's mother who recommended her to Captain Ali Al Ameri at Rahaal Stables.

Captain Al Ameri, with his extensive experience in equestrian sports, recognised Fatima's potential and took her under his wing.

“I wasn't nervous during the performance. On the contrary, I was very excited,” Fatima said.“The best gift I received was the smile and applause from the President of the UAE. The values I gained from horse riding are perseverance and hard work, which are the keys to success. I will continue training, and Captain Ali has promised to develop my talents.”

The intensive training before the Union Parade performance prepared her for the standing manouever, a challenging skill that requires balance, control, and trust between rider and horse.

Also performing at the parade were sisters Latifa Yahya Al Kathiri, 11, and Wadima Yahya Al Kathiri, 12, both from Abu Dhabi. The two began their equestrian journey at ages five and six, driven by a deep admiration for the beauty, strength and intelligence of horses.

What began as a childhood fascination soon developed into a disciplined pursuit after they enrolled at Bodhib Academy to train professionally.

“Equestrian sports are part of our identity and part of our lives,” the sisters said.“This is what inspired us to enter this field. Our parents and family encouraged us because they knew horse riding builds confidence and courage. We had a strong curiosity to learn step by step.”

Over the years, the sisters trained with different horses, eventually mastering how to handle all types. Their passion led them beyond basic riding into several equestrian disciplines.

Latifa and Wadima have trained in endurance riding, completing multiple 80 kilometres qualifying rides. Because of their age, they cannot yet participate in the senior races, but both hope to continue training until they can officially compete for top rankings.

They later moved into show jumping, where they achieved first-place finishes in their first two competitions.

The two sisters recently began learning advanced trick riding skills, including the difficult and dangerous standing techniques on horseback.

“We learned these skills from our inspiration, Fatima Al Ameri, who was the first Emirati woman to stand on a horse,” they explained.

They have also started learning horse training, beginning with groundwork to understand how horses communicate and respond.“This field gives us a beautiful feeling of connecting and interacting with the horse,” they said.“We face challenges, but it only increases our determination.”

Their training journey spans nearly three years. For Latifa, one of the toughest moments during this journey was a fall, and the subsequent recovery.“I had a minor injury and was supposed to stop riding for a month,” she said.“But after one week, I returned with more determination and rode the same horse to overcome fear. Today, I can ride and train all types of horses.”

Performing at the Union Parade was a defining moment for the sisters.“We felt immense pride representing the Emirati horsewomen,” they said.“We weren't nervous, we were happy and wished the performance could last longer. We felt the pride in the eyes of the President. We hoped to greet him because we saw the look of a father proud of his daughters.”

Wadima shared her personal dream.“I aspire to become a veterinarian and hope to own a stable where I can care for sick horses, following the Hadith 'Goodness is tied to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Judgment.'”

The sisters say horse riding has taught them patience, courage, leadership and confidence. They plan to continue advancing their skills and aim to participate in future shows both within and beyond the UAE.

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