It’s not often we’ll promote a initiative by another ownership organisation but we feel we must congratulate His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and his Godolphin operation on another successful year of their Masar project.
Designed to give UAE nationals the chance to immerse themselves in the racing industry the programme, running for it’s second year, provides top class academic learning and hands on experience at some of the top thoroughbred establishments around the world.
The latest class of nine graduated at a ceremony held at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai on Thursday having spent time in Dubai and Newmarket gaining valuable knowledge form industry leaders.
“The Masar Godolphin programme was created to develop leaders and to introduce Emirati youth to an industry that we are all hugely passionate about.’ Said the managing director of Godolphin’s UK and Dubai Operations Hugh Anderson, speaking at the ceremony.
“I believe that great leaders are not born but become great from experience and learning. I would like to thank His Highness for his vision in creating the programme and thank you to everyone at Godolphin for their hard work in making it such a success.”
The nine graduates were presented their certificates by Sheikh Mohammed and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed al Maktoum and will now be ambassadors for the Dubai based owners as well as being sort after candidates for varied roles in racing, so it might be worth remembering their names.
Mohammed Mardood has a bachelor’s degree of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology and prior to his placement on the Godolphin Masar course worked as an aircraft engineer for Emirates. He would like to continue to work hard to inspire the youth of Dubai to follow their dreams and help promote his country, Mohammed has always been passionate about horses and is interested about competing as an endurance rider.
Also graduating on Thursday was Kholoud Alhosani, who recently graduated from Zayed University and is now studying for her master’s degree in Global Governance and Sustainable Development at Middlesex University, Dubai. Kholoud also has an infinity with horse as a keen show jumper and has been riding horses since she was eight. She has already displayed skills in the equine industry having purchased an ex-racehorse and trained it for a new career in show jumping.
Alongside Kholoud, getting their certificate was Alia Alobeidli, an international level high jumper for the UAE athletics team and a graduate from the American University in the Emirates, where she studied Law. She started riding at the age of 10 but had to put her athletics career and studies first but she has enjoyed being back around horses.
Noor Alfalasi was also on stage with her classmates on Thursday. She holds a Masters degree in Science and was working at Dubai Safari, having spent a few years working with Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF. Noor’s passion for nature, wildlife and learning led her to become the first Arab female to set foot in Antarctica in 2007, making her an official polar ambassador. Additionally, she is a keen competitor in equestrian sports, owning her horse for six years, practicing horsemanship work and show jumping.
Fatima Al Badi is a graduate of International Studies from Zayed University, Abu Dhabi and now of the Masar programme as well. She has a strong interest in cultures, voluntary work, horses, art and is a freelance videographer with a love for capturing memories in videos and photographs. Fatima’s interest in horses started from an early age when she took a few riding lessons at Al Ain Equestrian Club, but because of school and other commitments she didn’t have the time to be more involved, until now.
Another Masar star, Ali Al Jaffal hopes to use his organisational skills, education background and ability to work well with other people now he has graduated. He has participated in many cross-country show jumping events and helped to organise multiple endurance activities. Ali also represented the UAE in the 2017 Jiu-jitsu Grand Slam world championship event, wining 3rd in his category.
Standing up with his eight classmates was Abdulaziz Al Noori, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from The American University of Dubai. He is passionate about horses and applied to join the Masar Godolphin program to learn more about training and breeding.
Another keen horse-women on stage on Thursday was Lamya Al-Ali. She studied Architectural Engineering at the University of Sharjah and her passion for horses began when she started riding lessons, aged 12 and she was delighted to be embracing her equestrian heritage during her time in the programme.
Last but not least Sultan Al Suboosi was a student at the Canadian University of Dubai, majoring in Human Resources. Sultan’s interest the equine industries began as a child and growing up with a desire to learn more about horses he didn’t hesitate to accept when offered a manager’s position at Al Aasfa Stables in Dubai.
It’s a huge achievement for all involved leaving Hugh Anderson to say “I would like to thank the Masar students for their efforts and huge congratulations on their graduation.”
We will watch their progress in the racing industry with interest and if you would like to know more about the Masar Programme and this year’s class you can watch Dubai Racing Channel’s excellent documentary on their YouTube Channel.
