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Meet UAE girls from viral video who impressed President with daring horse-riding stunts
Khaleej Times spoke with the riders, as young as 11, as they shared their excitement at performing in Union March in front of the country’s leaders
It was a moment that melted hearts across the nation — during the Union March on Thursday, December 4, just after the Eid Al Etihad long weekend, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan warmly waved at two young women jockeys as they saluted him, a gesture that instantly went viral.
The parade itself was a stunning display of talent and tradition, with young Emirati girls riding galloping horses, performing daring stunts, and saluting the nation’s leaders. Dressed in elegant traditional attire, they combined grace and skill, leaving an unforgettable mark on the celebration.
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The UAE President is known for such heartwarming gestures. Earlier in the ceremony, he greeted participants and expressed his delight at this genuine expression of national unity. “The UAE draws its strength from its people, bound by loyalty and driven by a shared commitment to serve the nation and raise its flag,” he said.
Khaleej Times spoke with the riders, who beamed with pride as they shared their excitement at performing in front of the country’s leaders. Their courage, skill, and dedication perfectly showcase the strength and pride of the UAE’s youth.
Watch here from a video posted by Al Emarat TV:
Among the performers was Fatima Ahmed Al Rumaithi, 11, from Al Samha in Abu Dhabi. Fatima grew up in a Bedouin environment, riding camels daily with her father, who is an accomplished camel racing competitor.
Her passion for equestrian sports began at age four when she joined a private stable, training until 2018 when activities were paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
After a break, Fatima returned to training in summer 2025 at Bodhib Stables, where she was spotted by another rider’s mother, who recommended her to Captain Ali Al Ameri at Rahaal Stables.
Captain Al Ameri, with his extensive experience in equestrian sports, recognised Fatima’s potential and took her under his wing.
“I wasn’t nervous during the performance. On the contrary, I was very excited,” Fatima said. “The best gift I received was the smile and applause from the President of the UAE. The values I gained from horse riding are perseverance and hard work, which are the keys to success. I will continue training, and Captain Ali has promised to develop my talents.”
The intensive training before the Union Parade performance prepared her for the standing manoeuvre, a challenging skill that requires balance, control, and trust between rider and horse.
Also performing at the parade were sisters Latifa Yahya Al Kathiri, 11, and Wadima Yahya Al Kathiri, 12, both from Abu Dhabi. The two began their equestrian journey at ages five and six, driven by a deep admiration for the beauty, strength and intelligence of horses.
What began as a childhood fascination soon developed into a disciplined pursuit after they enrolled at Bodhib Academy to train professionally.
“Equestrian sports are part of our identity and part of our lives,” the sisters said. “This is what inspired us to enter this field. Our parents and family encouraged us because they knew horse riding builds confidence and courage. We had a strong curiosity to learn step by step.”
Over the years, the sisters trained with different horses, eventually mastering how to handle all types. Their passion led them beyond basic riding into several equestrian disciplines.
Latifa and Wadima have trained in endurance riding, completing multiple 80 km qualifying rides. Because of their age, they cannot yet participate in the senior races, but both hope to continue training until they can officially compete for top rankings.
They later moved into show jumping, where they achieved first-place finishes in their first two competitions.
The two sisters recently began learning advanced trick riding skills, including the difficult and dangerous standing techniques on horseback.
“We learnt these skills from our inspiration, Fatima Al Ameri, who was the first Emirati woman to stand on a horse,” they explained.
They have also started learning horse training, beginning with groundwork to understand how horses communicate and respond. “This field gives us a beautiful feeling of connecting and interacting with the horse,” they said. “We face challenges, but it only increases our determination.”
Their training journey spans nearly three years. For Latifa, one of the toughest moments during this journey was a fall and the subsequent recovery. “I had a minor injury and was supposed to stop riding for a month,” she said. “But after one week, I returned with more determination and rode the same horse to overcome fear. Today, I can ride and train all types of horses.”
Performing at the Union Parade was a defining moment for the sisters. “We felt immense pride representing the Emirati horsewomen,” they said. “We weren’t nervous; we were happy and wished the performance could last longer. We felt the pride in the eyes of the President. We hoped to greet him because we saw the look of a father proud of his daughters.”
Wadima shared her personal dream. “I aspire to become a veterinarian and hope to own a stable where I can care for sick horses, following the Hadith ‘Goodness is tied to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Judgement.’”
The sisters say horse riding has taught them patience, courage, leadership and confidence. They plan to continue advancing their skills and aim to participate in future shows both within and beyond the UAE.
Ruqayya Al Qaydi
Ruqayya Alqaydi is a Special Correspondent with an endless curiosity to learn. Like a journalist on a caffeine overdrive, she is fuelled by passion and on a mission to uncover every gem in the UAE.
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