News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – The UAE’s Para Dressage Performance Programme has celebrated a significant milestone as two of its pioneering athletes successfully completed their official FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) classification, setting them firmly on course for potential participation in the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Fatima Al Bluoshi and Wafaa Aldahmani, both 31 and hailing from Ras Al Khaimah, are the first athletes from the UAE’s national para dressage development initiative to achieve this critical classification. Since joining the programme in April, the pair have undergone intensive training at The Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi, which launched the initiative earlier this year to build a competitive national team.
The training includes riding lessons, equestrian theory, simulator exercises, physiotherapy and sports psychology. A holistic model underpins the programme, aiming to develop not only technical skill but also physical conditioning and mental resilience. Both athletes are supported by a dedicated team of experts in sports science and equestrian performance.
In June, Fatima and Wafaa travelled to the UK to attend classification assessments at Wellington Riding, where they were officially categorised for international competition. Fatima, who lives with spina bifida, was classified as Grade III, while Wafaa, who was affected by polio in infancy, received a Grade II classification.
Their visit also included participation in daily training, attending the prestigious CPEDI (Concours Para-Équestre de Dressage International), and learning from British Paralympic gold medallists — offering a valuable glimpse into the standards of elite international competition.
Dr. Russell MacKechnie-Guire, an internationally respected expert in equine biomechanics and the programme’s Technical Lead, described the moment as pivotal:
“This was a defining moment for the athletes and the programme. The FEI classification is essential for any para dressage rider aspiring to compete internationally, and to see Fatima and Wafaa approach this with such professionalism and determination was exceptional. The experience of training daily, watching elite competition and engaging with Team GB’s riders gave them, and us, a clear picture of the standards we are working towards. It is the start of an exciting journey, and both athletes have shown they belong on this path.”
Laura Richardson, Performance Manager at The Royal Stables, echoed the sentiment:
“Fatima and Wafaa’s progress is inspiring, not just for the equestrian community but for the UAE as a whole. This programme was created to break barriers, and in just two short months together, we have already achieved the first key milestone on our exciting journey to LA 2028.”
The Para Dressage Performance Programme remains open to Emirati athletes of determination, with training and talent development ongoing. The Royal Stables continues to seek support from partners and sponsors to build on this momentum and create a lasting legacy in equestrian sport for people of determination in the UAE.
