Desert hack
The Al Qudra Lake desert hack is described as scenic and exhilarating, with a guide attentive to safety and comfort.
Emirates Equestrian Centre
Mugatrah
Emirates Equestrian Centre is a horse riding school in Mugatrah, offering riding lessons, jumping and desert hacks at Al Qudra Lake. Reviews also point to well-kept stables, competition facilities and a peaceful desert setting, though booking and instructor experiences vary.
Reputation Score
4.3
★★★★☆
174 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Well-kept grounds
Visitors have found the arenas well maintained, the horses cared for and the shaded seating useful in Dubai’s heat.
Competition setup
The centre has moisturised turf, many horse boxes and several training areas, with international events hosted on site.
Beginner welcome
One beginner found the staff welcoming, the stables well maintained and the equipment high quality.
Family atmosphere
The centre has been described as a friendly place for families, with plenty of parking and a nearby bus stop.
Tips for a Better Visit
Book first. Call and confirm your booking before setting out; an unlisted arrival may find no one available to help.
Confirm matching. If you are a beginner or booking jumping, ask in advance which horse suits your experience and the planned lesson.
Allow travel. Build in extra time for the desert drive; one review puts the journey from downtown at 45–55 minutes.
Check updates. Verify opening hours and course details directly before travelling, as one visitor reported outdated website information.
Use shade. For non-riders watching lessons or events, the shaded seating areas provide a more comfortable place to follow the action.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Dubai-Al Ain Road (E 66 Road), Exit 37
Mugatrah, Dubai
| Mon | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tue | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wed | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thu | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Fri | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
Horse jumping
Reviews identify the centre as a venue for horse jumping, with competition facilities and international events.
Riding school
The riding school is mentioned as a place for learning, including beginner experiences and children’s lessons.
Show jumping
Visitors have attended show-jumping events at the centre, including free-entry championship viewing.
Common Concerns
Safety concerns
A jumping-lesson rider reported a fall, a fractured nose and little meaningful follow-up after informing the centre.
Horse matching
Several reviews describe spooky, unsuitable or overly large horses being assigned to beginners or jumping riders.
Communication
WhatsApp communication has been criticised, including repeated follow-ups left unread and unprofessional replies.
Booking required
Arriving without a prior booking can leave you without assistance, despite the long drive to the centre.
Long drive
The centre is deep in the desert and several visitors report a journey of roughly 45 to 55 minutes.
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The Bottom Line
Emirates Equestrian Centre is a horse riding school in Mugatrah for lessons, jumping and desert hacks at Al Qudra Lake. It also draws visitors for show jumping and racing events. The desert hack has been praised for its scenery and for a guide who prioritised riders’ safety and comfort, while the competition setup includes moisturised turf, horse boxes and training areas.
The setting is a major part of the appeal. Reviews describe peaceful desert surroundings, cared-for horses, maintained arenas, shaded seating and plenty of parking; one visitor also noted a nearby bus stop. It is a substantial drive from central Dubai, commonly reported as 45–55 minutes, so it is worth planning rather than dropping in casually.
Call ahead and confirm both the booking and opening hours. Experiences with lessons are mixed. Some riders praise patient, technically strong instruction and tailored children’s lessons, while others report poor communication, unsuitable or spooky horse assignments and limited support after falls.
If you are a beginner or booking jumping, ask how the horse will be matched to your level and what safety support is available. Prices were described by one reviewer as a little expensive, but no specific amounts were provided.