MOMA INTERNATIONAL: DEFINING EQUESTRIAN EXCELLENCE ACROSS THE GCC

At MOMA International, equestrian architecture is elevated into a discipline of artistry, a rare fusion of heritage, precision, and the quiet authority of design at its most refined. From the luminous deserts of Dubai to the royal estates of Abu Dhabi and the bold new equestrian visions of Saudi Arabia, we create environments where the cultural poetry of horsemanship meets the uncompromising demands of elite performance.

At MOMA International, equestrian architecture is elevated into a discipline of artistry, a rare fusion of heritage, precision, and the quiet authority of design at its most refined. From the luminous deserts of Dubai to the royal estates of Abu Dhabi and the bold new equestrian visions of Saudi Arabia, we create environments where the cultural poetry of horsemanship meets the uncompromising demands of elite performance. Led by Monica Merhebi and Maha Albwardy, MOMA International stands as the GCC’s definitive name in equestrian architecture — delivering destinations that fuse heritage, innovation, and world‑class luxury. Together, they bring an unmatched blend of creative vision, technical mastery, and cultural intelligence, shaping projects that resonate globally while honouring the Gulf’s equestrian legacy. Monica Merhebi is a visionary architect and designer with over two decades of global architectural and interior design mastery, with a refined focus on the GCC’s most prestigious developments. Her award-winning portfolio spans opulent private villas, flagship hotels, and landmark mixed-use destinations, each defined by uncompromising precision, sculpted artistry, and deep cultural fluency. Renowned for her ability to harmonise tradition with forward thinking functionality, she delivers equestrian destinations that stand as enduring legacies — setting new benchmarks in luxury, sustainability, and equestrian architecture across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the wider Gulf. Maha Albwardy brings a profound connection to equestrian culture, underpinned by two decades of architectural and interior excellence across the GCC’s most ambitious projects. A recognised leader in sustainable, future‑ready design, she is celebrated for her large‑scale master planning and environmentally intelligent strategies. Her work is distinguished by authenticity, cultural intelligence, and operational precision — crafting equestrian destinations that are visually striking, highly purposeful, and firmly anchored in the heritage and prestige of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the wider Gulf region. 

What We Achieved

Centralized Equestrian Hub

MOMA International delivered a world‑class equestrian facility designed to international competition standards, supporting dressage, show jumping, and endurance - disciplines integral to Gulf heritage.
  • Stables: Over 100 stalls (For Standard horses & Elite Breeds) with advanced cooling systems, UV filtered‑ windows, and non‑slip rubberized flooring to withstand 45°C desert heat. Precision ventilation delivered 4–6 air changes per hour, safeguarding equine health and performance.
  • Main Arena: Indoor arena with premium silica sand footing and dust-control additives, lit by 700-lux LED systems for global competitions. Air-conditioned VIP lounges with majlis-style seating honoured local tradition while delivering a five-star viewing experience.
  • Paddocks & Country Tracks: Heat-resistant vinyl fencing, shaded shelters with misting systems, and scenic geotextile-surfaced tracks weaving through lush, irrigated landscapes.
  • Support Facilities: Integrated veterinary clinic, farrier station, and climate‑controlled feed storage meeting the highest biosecurity and welfare standards.


Pocket Park Arenas

Strategically placed arenas in pocket parks to encourage accessibility and resident engagement. Each arena featured dust‑suppressed synthetic footing, shaded seating, refreshment kiosks, and lighting for safe evening use. 

Villa Layout & Views 

 

Masterplanned for prestige vistas:

  • 5 ‑Bedroom Villas: Prime views of the main arena and landscaped grounds, with expansive terraces and private gardens.
  • 4 ‑Bedroom Villas: Overlooking pocket park arenas and riding tracks, balancing privacy with spectacle.
  • 3 ‑Bedroom Villas & Townhouses: Oriented towards green spaces and secondary equestrian features for aesthetic harmony and accessibility.
 

Circulation & Accessibility

A dual‑circulation system ensured efficiency and discretion:
  • FrontSide‑ Roads: Paved access for luxury vehicles, horse trailers, and emergency services with a turning radius.
  • Back‑of House‑ Tracks: Compacted gravel and geotextile surfaces for golf carts, horse‑drawn buggies, and riders - enabling discreet manure collection and service access without disrupting residents.

Green Spaces & Amenities

Our landscapes are more than scenery -  they are living environments where equestrian heritage, architectural elegance, and Gulf identity meet in perfect balance. Guided by the UAE’s natural character and equestrian culture, we blended modern architectural clarity with local tradition, creating a masterplan that flows effortlessly between open vistas and shaded retreats. Sustainable plantings - Ghaf, Date Palm, and Washingtonia - form the estate’s green spine, offering shade, privacy, and a cooling microclimate while framing iconic views. We integrated cultural and lifestyle luxuries cascading water walls for reflection, resort‑style pools, shaded gazebos, and sunken lounges - alongside functional equestrian spaces including stables, paddocks, grooming rooms, and a dedicated arena. Every element was designed for comfort, flow, and prestige, ensuring horses and riders experience the same standard of excellence. This is more than landscaping - it is a statement of cultural intelligence, sustainability, and world‑class design, crafted to endure as a legacy for the region’s most discerning patrons.

Waste Management

  • Manure Collection: Daily collection via BOH tracks to a central, ventilated composting facility meeting environmental regulations.
  • Sustainability: Greywater recycling for landscaping and arena dust control, reducing consumption in line with Vision 2030 goals.


Our Project Mastery

  • Initiation: Stakeholder engagement with authorities, federations, and investors to refine requirements. Comprehensive site analysis to mitigate climate and environmental risks.
  • Planning: BIM driven 3D masterplan, phased construction to avoid heat delays, sourcing local concrete and importing advanced footing systems under ‑fixed price‑ contracts.
  • Execution: Modular precast concrete stables accelerated delivery. Weekly inspections ensured UAE code compliance, with monthly updates maintaining investor confidence.
  • Monitoring: IoT-based sustainability tracking, strict safety protocols, and agile change control to accommodate villa customizations without delays.
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