Equestrian Enthusiasts: 5 Arab Princesses Who Share A Love Of Horses
Just as heroines in fairy stories often ride off to their happy endings on noble steeds, the Arabian Peninsula has its own tales of regal women who share an unwavering adoration for earth’s most noble creatures
In the rich tapestry of Arab culture, few traditions rival the exhilaration and splendour of horse racing. The Arabian Peninsula has long been a cradle of equestrian excellence, and at the heart of this legacy stand a select group of royal women who share an unwavering love for the sport.
From HH Sheikha Mahra of Dubai to HRH Princess Rajwa of Jordan, Bazaar Arabia shares a list of five Arab princesses who have harnessed their passion for horses to become icons of grace, strength, and equestrian excellence.
Equestrian Enthusiasts: 5 Arab Princesses Who Share A Love Of Horses
HH Sheikha Mahra Al Maktoum of Dubai
Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Like many Emirati Royals, Her Highness Sheikha Mahra spent a lot of time in her childhood around horses, growing an adoration towards the animal. Her Highness has been spotted several times at the annual Dubai World Cup and has taken pictures at the Al Jiyad Stable with a chestnut horse named Derby.
HH Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum of Dubai
Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Her Highness Sheikha Maitha is a karate, taekwondo and polo athlete, and was the first woman to represent the UAE in the Olympics. In 2021, Her Highness headed the UAE team who came in first at the Polo Masters Cup and the Dubai Polo Challenge.
HRH Princess Nourah Alfaisal of Saudi Arabia
Her Royal Highness Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud is the great granddaughter of King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, the founder of Saudi Arabia.
Princess Nourah is an entrepreneur, designer and a consultant in Saudi Arabia’s Jockey Club. The Princess combines her passion for fashion and interest in equestrianism by organising The Saudi Cup, an international horse racing tournament held in Riyadh every year, and spotlights regional designers who bring their best derby hats.
HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud of Saudi Arabia
Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud is the great granddaughter of King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, the founder of Saudi Arabia.
Princess Reema was spotted at this year’s Saudi Cup in a stunning Mona Alshebil abaya, along with other members of the Kingdom’s Royal Family.
HRH Princess Rajwa Al Hussein of Jordan
Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa Al Hussein is the wife of Hussein bin Abdullah, the Crown Prince of Jordan.
In May, the Princess was spotted at a Jordanian equestrian center, indulging in her lifelong passion for horseback riding—a hobby she has cherished since her childhood and continued to embrace into her adult years. On Princess Rajwa’s birthday in April, Crown Prince Al Hussein of Jordan took to Instagram to share a lovely portrait of his then soon-to-be wife with her noble steed.
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/ @hhshmahra and @alhusseinjo