A Contemporary Tribute to Jebel Ali’s Equestrian Heritage in Dubai

At Dubai’s Jebel Ali Racecourse, Studio D04 introduces a project that is redefining how equestrian facilities are designed and experienced. The Saddling Box & Private Deck balances equine needs with refined social spaces, creating a pragmatic architecture that prioritises practicality and functionality. Instead of theatrical gestures, the design emphasises materiality, rhythm, and circulation, echoing the sport’s traditions in a contemporary manner.

Since its establishment in 1990 under the guidance of H. H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Jebel Ali Racecourse has been a cultural landmark as well as a sporting venue where heritage and performance converge. Studio D04’s intervention honours this legacy. The architects drew inspiration from the movements of race day - the cadence of horses, the preparation of riders, and the anticipation of spectators - translating this sense of rhythm into space and form.

The structure is composed of two distinct levels. On the ground floor, priority is given to the horses, with surfaces designed to reduce strain and ensure smooth circulation. Rubber pavers provide safety underfoot, gravel and aggregate establish continuity with the surrounding terrain, and gabion walls filled with local stone root the building in its context. These elements create a calm, functional environment.

On the upper floor, the elevated deck shifts the focus to spectators. Timber planks bring warmth to the architecture, while natural light and ventilation animate the space throughout the day. The vantage point is designed to give guests a clear panoramic view while keeping them closely connected to the race. By limiting its palette and refining the proportions, the architecture maintains an understated elegance, allowing the event itself to remain the focal point.

The project distinguishes itself through its discipline. Materials are curated for performance, each chosen to serve multiple purposes: structural, atmospheric, and contextual. This diligence played an important role in ensuring that the structural elements of the elevated deck are not visually imposing, while maximising openness and connectivity between levels.

As a contemporary tribute to Jebel Ali Racecourse and the equestrian culture it represents, the project is grounded in honesty and restraint. Studio D04 pays homage to the enduring significance of horsemanship in the region’s heritage and identity, while giving it an architectural expression that considers the present and the future.