A cultural event focusing on the Year of the Horse was held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), featuring traditional craft workshops, special performances, and immersive cultural heritage experiences that highlighted shared values between China and the Middle East country.
This event, running from February 13 to 15, was jointly sponsored by the UAE Embassy in China and the Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts. Taking horses -- a cultural symbol cherished by both nations -- as its central motif, the celebration bridged the historical cultures of China and the UAE, reflecting the two peoples' shared hopes for the new year.
The festivities culminated in a spectacular equestrian performance by the Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts. Blending multimedia visuals, music, and classical horsemanship, the show told the story of the profound bond between rider and horse. It captured the very essence and elegance of classical equestrian art, wowing audience with dazzling technique and synchronized dance-like movements.
Holding deep symbolic meaning in both Chinese and Emirati cultures, the horse served as a cultural bridge -- connecting the historical threads, shared values, and mutual aspirations of the two nations.
"Since it's the Year of the Horse, we came to watch the riding. Emiratis have a deep love for horses. Galloping into the New Year -- wishing everyone a prosperous Year of the Horse," said Farah, a local resident.
The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, fell on Tuesday this year, ushering the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
Abu Dhabi celebrates Year of Horse with equestrian events
