The launch was announced by the Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Supreme Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club during a ceremony attended by senior officials, representatives of the equestrian sector and partners involved in the project. Al Khail Square is designed as a mixed-use precinct within the club, combining hospitality, retail, dining and public spaces that complement the venue’s long-standing role as a hub for horse racing and equestrian sport.
According to officials familiar with the project, Al Khail Square is intended to transform the club from a race-day-focused venue into a year-round destination that appeals to families, tourists, sports enthusiasts and the broader community. The development includes upgraded facilities overlooking the racecourse, new food and beverage concepts, cultural spaces and areas designed to host community events, exhibitions and international gatherings linked to the equestrian calendar.
The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s wider push to diversify its leisure economy while preserving traditions closely associated with the region’s heritage. Horse racing and equestrian sports occupy a central place in Emirati culture, and the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club has historically served as one of the country’s most prominent venues for thoroughbred racing, showjumping and endurance competitions. Al Khail Square seeks to build on that legacy by creating a setting where heritage and contemporary lifestyle offerings intersect.
Officials involved in the planning say the project reflects Sheikh Mansour’s vision of integrating sport with urban life, ensuring that major sporting venues remain active beyond competition schedules. By introducing retail, dining and social spaces, the club aims to increase footfall throughout the year and support local businesses while enhancing the spectator experience during major racing events.
The launch also comes at a time when Abu Dhabi is investing heavily in sports infrastructure as part of its broader economic and tourism strategy. The emirate has expanded its portfolio across motorsport, combat sports, football and endurance events, using world-class facilities to attract international audiences. Equestrian sport remains a cornerstone of that strategy, supported by breeding programmes, training facilities and a racing calendar that draws regional and global participants.
Industry observers note that developments such as Al Khail Square mirror a wider trend in the global sports sector, where venues are increasingly redesigned as multi-purpose destinations. Racecourses in Europe, North America and Asia have adopted similar models, adding hospitality and entertainment components to stabilise revenues and remain competitive in changing leisure markets. Abu Dhabi’s approach reflects those global shifts while adapting them to local cultural contexts.
Sheikh Mansour’s involvement carries additional significance given his longstanding role in supporting equestrian sport and breeding initiatives, both within the UAE and internationally. Under his patronage, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club has expanded its racing programme and strengthened its position within the regional racing circuit. The addition of Al Khail Square is seen by club officials as a natural extension of that support, aimed at ensuring the venue’s long-term sustainability.
Beyond sport, the project is expected to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s creative and cultural economy. Plans for Al Khail Square include spaces for art displays, heritage showcases and community-led activities, creating opportunities for collaboration with local artists, designers and entrepreneurs. This reflects a broader policy emphasis on cultural industries as engines of growth and social engagement.
Construction and design have been guided by sustainability considerations, with planners indicating that the development incorporates energy-efficient systems and materials aligned with Abu Dhabi’s environmental objectives. Landscaping and open-air spaces are intended to encourage outdoor activity while respecting the climate and the operational needs of an active racecourse.
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