UAE launches Middle East's First Arabian Horse e-Studbook

The UAE is launching an Arabian horse e-studbook, which is a novel initiative in the Middle East.

The move follows a directive issued by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Chairman of Emirates Arabian Horse Society (EAHS).

The e-studbook is in Arabic and English and will be available on the EAHS’ website.

Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, the Deputy Chairman of the EAHS, is overseeing the project.

The new service, which is akin to similar initiatives available in the United States (US), France and Australia, aims to preserve and develop the equestrian sports -- an integral part of the UAE's rich cultural heritage.

Breeding records for 21,789 horses will be available online, allowing equestrian enthusiasts to have easy access to details about the various Arabian horse breeds, their names, dates of birth and countries of origin.

This information will be useful to owners, breeders, trainers and media professionals.

The e-studbook will help to develop a smart online mechanism that is in sync with international standards and best practices.

Mohamed Alharbi, the Director-General of EAHS, said the UAE’s leadership pays great attention to equestrian sports, as part of its bid to preserve the Emirati national identity.

"The electronic studbook will significantly contribute to developing continuous learning, and organisational capabilities by digitising the operating model in implementation of the Smart Government’s objectives," Alharbi said.

The EAHS is planning to develop an electronic application system that would provide all services for the equestrian community, he added.