Buy Horses in United Arab Emirates

Horses for sale in United Arab Emirates: Buying and selling horses in United Arab Emirates

What makes the United Arab Emirates so interesting for horse buyers and sellers is how tradition and serious investment meet in a very modern, international market. You have camel tracks on one side of the road and world-class equestrian centers on the other, plus a climate that lets people ride almost year-round if they manage the heat correctly. The horse scene here is driven by passion, prestige, and big ambitions, whether that’s for desert endurance rides, polished show jumping rounds, or private breeding programs.

The equestrian culture in the UAE is deeply tied to Arabian horses and the Bedouin heritage, but today you’ll find a wide mix: purebred Arabians for endurance and show, sturdy part-breds for pleasure and local competition, and a growing number of European warmbloods for show jumping and dressage. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi especially, you see serious investment in imported sport horses at FEI level, while in Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah there’s a strong base of amateur riders and smaller private stables. This creates a layered market: everything from well-started riding horses around 20,000–40,000 AED to imported competition horses well above 300,000 AED.

What makes buying or selling horses in the United Arab Emirates unique is the mix of local and international players. You’ll meet Emirati owners with long-standing breeding lines, European and Arab trainers running professional yards, and expats trading horses on shorter contracts as they move in and out of the country. The market is relatively compact geographically, which means you can view several horses in different emirates in a single day, but it’s also fast-moving. Well-priced, correctly represented horses can sell in days, and serious buyers are expected to be ready with vetting, transport, and payment plans quite quickly.

Buying horses in United Arab Emirates - what you need to know

If you’re buying a horse in the UAE, the big advantage is access to a wide range of types in a small area. For endurance, you’ll find many Arabian horses bred and conditioned specifically for desert racing, often with detailed training and heart-rate records. For show jumping and dressage, Dubai and Abu Dhabi yards regularly import warmbloods from Europe, so you can sometimes pick up proven competition horses that are already adapted to the climate. You’ll see riding school and leisure horses starting around 15,000–25,000 AED, solid amateur sport horses between 40,000–120,000 AED, and higher-end imported jumpers, dressage horses, and endurance prospects from 150,000 AED upwards, with top competition horses easily reaching 400,000–700,000 AED or more.

Most buyers start online. Local classifieds, Facebook groups focused on “horses for sale in UAE,” and regional equestrian platforms are active, especially from September to April when the season is in full swing. Many serious horses never get publicly advertised, though; they’re sold through trainers, word-of-mouth, or trusted dealers. When you come to view, expect to meet at a private stable or training center, and plan to ride in the cooler parts of the day. It’s normal to try the horse more than once, especially for competition horses, and to watch it in different environments if possible.

Vetting is crucial here because the hard ground, heat, and intense training for endurance and show jumping can leave their mark. Arrange a pre-purchase examination with an independent equine vet, not one directly tied to the seller’s stable. Basic vettings with flexion tests and standard checks might run 1,500–2,500 AED, and full vettings with X-rays typically range from 3,000–6,000 AED depending on how many views you request. For international buyers planning to export from the UAE, factor in quarantine requirements in the destination country, export blood tests, health certificates, and air transport. Flying a horse from Dubai to Europe commonly costs between 25,000–50,000 AED, while shipping to North America or Asia can be higher. Many local agents specialize in export and can manage the paperwork, but always clarify what is and isn’t included in their fee.

To buy successfully in the UAE, move quickly but not blindly. Ask for recent videos, competition records from local shows or endurance rides, and any medical history the seller is willing to share. Check ownership documents and make sure the horse is correctly registered with the relevant authority or studbook. Deposits are common for holding a horse while you arrange vetting, but only pay a deposit with a clear written agreement on what happens if the horse fails the vet check. The market rewards buyers who are decisive, polite, and realistic about pricing in relation to age, training, pedigree, and performance.

Everything about selling horses in United Arab Emirates

On the selling side, the UAE gives you access to both domestic riders and international buyers scanning the region for endurance horses, Arabians, and competition horses already acclimatized to hot climates. Local riders look for safe, rideable horses for club shows, desert hacks, and national circuits, while foreign buyers might be targeting a specific discipline or bloodline. European and Gulf-based endurance teams often watch the UAE market closely, particularly for young Arabians that have been lightly started and exposed to desert conditions.

To sell successfully, you need to present your horse professionally. Buyers in the UAE expect clear conformation photos, ridden videos at all gaits, and, if applicable, footage of competition rounds or endurance loops. Clean tack, a well-groomed horse, and a tidy stable environment speak volumes. Be honest about temperament, maintenance needs, and any veterinary history; the market here is small enough that word travels. For everyday riding horses, pricing around 20,000–50,000 AED is common depending on age, training, and reliability. Amateur-level jumpers and dressage horses often sit in the 60,000–150,000 AED bracket, while proven competition or high-potential youngsters can command significantly more. Endurance-bred Arabians with records in FEI rides can vary widely, but expect serious interest and stiff vet checks in the 80,000–300,000 AED range.

Online marketplaces and social media are powerful tools for selling horses in the UAE. Dedicated UAE horse sale groups, local classifieds, and regional equestrian websites all attract active buyers, but don’t underestimate personal networks. Trainers, riding clubs, and livery yards often know who is looking before the wider market does. If you’re targeting international buyers, make it clear in your advert that you’re familiar with export, or partner with a shipping agent who can guide them through health certificates, Coggins tests, quarantine (if required by their country), and flight logistics from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Buyers from Europe and Asia often appreciate a full set of recent X-rays and a written vet report upfront, even before they commit to travel.

Timing also matters. The main equestrian season runs roughly from October to April; listing your horse at the start of the season usually brings the most interest and better prices, as riders are planning their competition calendars. Summer sales are slower, and prices can soften when many people travel or scale back riding due to the heat. Whatever the season, be responsive, flexible with viewing times, and prepared for buyers to bring their own coach or vet. The more open, organized, and transparent you are, the more likely you are to sell at a fair price and build the kind of reputation that makes your next sale in the United Arab Emirates even easier.