One Year Home Anniversary Gala 2026 in Abu Dhabi

One Year Home: The Anniversary Gala Performance marks the first birthday of Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts, known as ADREA, with a one-night-only show at its arena on Al Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi. The evening brings together ADREA’s riders and horses, a 25-piece group of live musicians and Emirati opera singer Fatima Alhashmi, in a gala dedicated to heritage, performance and the equestrian arts.

Gates open at 6pm and the performance begins at 7pm. The listing gives a running time of around 60 minutes, which makes it a compact evening that still feels like an occasion.

A first anniversary for ADREA

ADREA opened on Al Jubail Island a year ago as a home for classical horsemanship in the capital, and One Year Home is its way of celebrating that first year. The gala also opens a month-long programme running through November, with further special performances, experiences and activations celebrating the horses, people and artistry that shaped ADREA’s first twelve months. Dates and details for the November programme have not yet been published, so the gala is the one fixed moment to plan around.

What happens in the arena

Classical horsemanship

The heart of the evening is ADREA’s own riders and horses performing inside the arena. Classical horsemanship is a disciplined, precise art, and the gala format puts it centre stage rather than as a sideshow to something else.

Twenty-five live musicians

The horses perform to a live score played by 25 musicians, not a recording. Having the music performed live in the same space as the horses is one of the main reasons this evening stands apart.

Fatima Alhashmi

Emirati opera singer Fatima Alhashmi, described by the organisers as one of the UAE’s most recognised voices, joins the gala for a live performance. Having an Emirati opera singer at the centre of ADREA’s anniversary ties the evening firmly to the country and gives the gala a voice of its own alongside the horses and orchestra.

Seating and the arena layout

Seating is allocated, and you choose your seat when you book. The arena uses an elevated layout with clearly marked zones on the official seating plan: Silver, Silver+, Gold, Gold+, Platinum and Platinum+. The listing does not describe what separates each zone, so compare the seating plan when you book to see where each sits relative to the arena.

Age, dress code and house rules

• Age: the minimum age is 3. Children aged 3 to 5 may sit on a parent’s or guardian’s lap; a separate seat needs its own ticket.
• Dress code: semi-formal or traditional attire is recommended, with smart casual and national dress also welcome. Guests are asked to dress elegantly and with respect for cultural heritage.
• Photography: photography and video recording are strictly prohibited during the show, professional cameras and recording equipment are not allowed, and phones must be on silent.
• Food and drink: outside food and drink are not permitted. Alcohol is not served, and smoking is not allowed.
• Security: all guests pass through security checks, and valid ID may be required.

Arriving on the night

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the 7pm start. With gates opening a full hour before the show, there is time to park, pass security and find your zone without rushing. Doors close 10 minutes before the show begins, late entry is at the discretion of the venue and the flow of the performance, and once your ticket is scanned there is no re-entry. Tickets are delivered electronically and can be shown on your phone or as a high-quality printout.

Food and drink stalls are open on site, so you can eat something between gates opening and the show. People of Determination have designated parking and seating, and venue staff are on hand to help on arrival.

All sales are final: tickets are non-refundable, non-changeable and non-transferable, except if the event is cancelled or rescheduled.

Who it suits

• Horse lovers and riders who want to see classical horsemanship performed at a high level.
• Opera and classical music fans, for the pairing of live musicians, opera and horses.
• Families, thanks to the minimum age of 3 and a one-hour running time that suits younger attention spans.
• Visitors and newer residents looking for a cultural evening rooted in Emirati heritage; our new to the UAE guide has more ideas like this.

Getting to Al Jubail Island

By car, take Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway (E12) and follow the signs to Al Jubail Island and Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts; on-site parking is available. By taxi or ride-hailing app, set the destination to Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts, Al Jubail Island. Buses serve the island, and the organisers suggest a short taxi ride from the nearest stop.

For more evenings like this, browse our art and culture listings, things to do in Abu Dhabi and things to do in October.