Facing bullying for her riding style and nearly giving up the sport during her early training, Fatima Al Ameri, a 32-year-old Emirati, has captured hearts by saluting UAE President Sheikh Mohamed while standing on her horse.
This remarkable moment took place during the UAE’s March of the Union, a vibrant celebration of national pride for the nation’s 53rd National Day, held in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.
Sharing her journey, Fatima said, “My story with horses started after the Covid year. I wanted to pick up a new hobby, and horse riding quickly became my passion.” Initially, she saw it as a leisure activity, but her dedication grew as she tackled challenges. “Every difficulty I faced in riding only motivated me to get better.”
Despite being bullied initially, Fatima stayed determined. “At one point, I almost left the sport, but my passion kept me going. I dedicated myself to training and worked hard.” Her perseverance paid off when she had the honour of saluting Sheikh Mohamed during the Union March, a moment she describes as unforgettable. This achievement earned her the nickname “Emirates Equestrian”.
Balancing her government job and her love for horse riding, Fatima shared, “Horse riding is my side hobby, but I try to balance it with my work and social life.”
Participating in the salute was a dream come true for her. “While training in show skills, my coach noticed my enthusiasm and encouraged me to join the 53rd Union March,” she said. Fatima expressed her gratitude to Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan and Humaid Al Neyadi, who supported her journey. “After the performance, I felt immense pride in presenting something so special.”
Fatima isn’t just making waves in horseback riding; she’s also breaking barriers in camel racing. “I discovered my passion for camel riding last year,” she said. Overcoming social challenges, she enrolled in a camel riding school in Dubai and later joined the Abu Dhabi branch as one of its first students.
“The idea of riding camels came to me last year. Watching marathon races inspired me, and I decided to try it after seeing a social media announcement,” Fatima explained.
She highlighted that camel racing requires specific skills and proper training. “It’s a sport that needs a strong heart, determination, and perseverance. I always recommend learning step by step with the guidance of experienced coaches.”
Her dedication has already brought her notable success. Fatima has competed in four races, including an international event at Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Festival in Taif, where she became the first Emirati woman to participate. “It’s all by God’s grace. Just participating feels like an achievement,” she said.
She also explained the dynamics of camel racing, where 80% of success depends on the camel, while the jockey’s skill contributes 20%.
Using her platform to inspire other Emirati women, Fatima shared, “I encourage girls to try camel riding through social media, and I feel proud when they join this passion with me.”
She hopes for more opportunities for women in the sport, especially after Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan’s announcement to introduce a special race for female jockeys. “I want to see more Emirati women in camel racing,” she concluded, showcasing her dedication to empowering women in equestrian sports.
