Horses and riding are an integral part of local tradition upheld today by several active riding centres, including the Dubai Equestrian Centre, the Jebel Ali Equestrian Club and Club Joumana, the riding stables at Jebel Ali Hotel. Rides through the desert are organised regularly. Dubai also has a riding association for the disabled. The future looks bright for horse lovers visiting Dubai, as the Arabian Ranches will offer a state-of-the-art equestrian centre for the serious competitor, as well as carefully tended tracks and trails around the Ranches for those who enjoy a more relaxed approach to horse riding. The horses at Arabian Ranches will nearly be as pampered as its residents. Every four horses will have their own groom, and there will be resident trainers, farriers and a vet with access to a fully equipped treatment room.

The Plantation Equestrian & Polo Club is also on the drawing board, another Dubailand component project. It is planned to become one of the world's largest equestrian facilities, with capacity for 800 horses, with two luxurious clubhouses and extensive show-jumping, dressage, cross-country, endurance and polo amenities in 14.5 million square feet of landscaped grounds.