HH Sheikh Mohammed offers 200 horses to the Arabian Ranches Equine Centre

Arabian Ranches' Equine Centre, part of the prestigious Arabian Ranches development launched by EMAAR Properties earlier this month, will be the only facility of its kind in the region to combine horse riding, polo, dressage and show jumping.

The centre, with 300 stables, will also be the new home for the Dubai Polo Club, which closed recently in Nad Al Sheba. Fifty of the horses at the Centre will be dedicated polo ponies.

'The Equine Centre will be a major attraction for Arabian Ranches residents and the community,' said Mohamed Ahmed Al Humairi, Equestrian & Polo Central Manager, Arabian Ranches, and a UAE polo player with 18 years experience. 'Everyone will be catered for, from the novice rider to the experienced polo player.'

Two turf polo fields, each measuring 300 by 160 yards, will meet international competition standards. There will also be a grass practice field, and arenas for dressage and show jumping, and a shaded grandstand to provide spectators with a prime view of all the equestrian action.

Mr Al Humairi continued: 'The spirit of the great outdoors will be everywhere at Arabian Ranches. There will be state-of-the-art facilities for the serious competitor as well as carefully tended tracks and trails around the Ranches for those who enjoy a more relaxed approach to horse riding.'

The horses at Arabian Ranches will nearly be as pampered as its residents. Every four horses will have their own groom, and there will be resident trainers, farriers and a vet with access to a fully equipped treatment room.

Mr Al Humairi added: 'The Equine Centre will be built to the highest standards and its purpose is to be part of the community rather than an exclusive, private reserve. The polo fields, for example, could be used for a variety of social and community functions.'

Construction work is set to begin on the stables and the centre's clubhouse next month. Aside from a squash court, tennis court, basketball and netball courts, the clubhouse will also have its own swimming pool, restaurant, library, games room and gymnasium.