Interview: Ahmed Youssef with Al Badia Polo Magazine
Dubai Ahead of the release of “The Majestic Arabian: A Guide to Show Horses”
Al Badia Polo Magazine (ABPM): Ahmed, congratulations on the upcoming release of your book The Majestic Arabian. What inspired you to create such a comprehensive guide dedicated to Arabian show horses?
Ahmed Youssef: Thank you. The inspiration truly comes from a lifelong passion for Arabian horses. Over the years, I’ve seen these magnificent animals showcased across continents, yet there was always something missing—a reference work that truly celebrated their beauty, heritage, and importance in the show ring. I wanted to produce a book that honors their legacy while educating both professionals and enthusiasts on best practices in training, breeding, and presenting Arabian horses at their finest.
ABPM: The book spans more than 25 chapters. Can you give us an overview of the structure?
Ahmed Youssef: Absolutely. The book begins by introducing the Arabian show horse—its traits, elegance, and symbolism. From there, we dive into breeding strategies, training techniques, show ring etiquette, grooming, conditioning, and even business aspects like investing in Arabians and marketing in modern media. We also feature research papers, international breeder directories, championship calendars, and legends of famous horses. It’s designed to be both educational and inspiring.
ABPM: You’re also including visual content. How important is the visual presentation to this project?
Ahmed Youssef: Incredibly important. Arabian horses are visual masterpieces. Every chapter is enriched with high-resolution photography, infographics, charts, and even original artwork. We also include a special section for 50 featured horses from around the world, many contributed by breeders themselves. These visuals not only enhance the reading experience but serve as a lasting tribute to the breed.
ABPM: The book is being published in three languages—Arabic, English, and Swedish. Why this multilingual approach?
Ahmed Youssef: The Arabian horse community is global. From the Middle East to Europe and North America, breeders, riders, and enthusiasts speak different languages but share the same love. Arabic represents the horse’s historical roots, English is the language of global communication, and Swedish reflects our base in Europe and commitment to bridging cultures.
ABPM: Will the book be available digitally or only in print?
Ahmed Youssef: Both. We’re producing a premium printed edition, including a luxury hardcover version, as well as digital versions for Kindle, tablets, and desktop readers. In addition, there will be 100 collector’s edition copies printed on high-quality paper with embossed finishes and exclusive inserts like collectible posters and bloodline charts.
ABPM: You’ve worked on horse events and exhibitions throughout the Middle East. How has that shaped your vision for the book?
Ahmed Youssef: Immensely. I’ve had the honor of serving on committees for events like the Damascus International Horse Fair and Riyadh’s Hunting and Equestrian Fair. That experience taught me how deeply intertwined culture, sport, and heritage are when it comes to Arabian horses. It also made me realize the need for educational content that is accessible, well-researched, and visually stunning.
ABPM: What role do you see this book playing in the future of Arabian horse culture?
Ahmed Youssef: I see it as a bridge—between breeders and enthusiasts, between tradition and innovation, and between regions of the world. The book is not only a guide but also a record. It preserves knowledge while helping new generations learn how to appreciate, train, and showcase Arabian horses responsibly and proudly.
ABPM: How can readers pre-order the book or stay informed about the release?
Ahmed Youssef: We’ll be launching our official website at www.majesticarabian.com, where readers can pre-order standard, deluxe, or digital editions. They can also subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for exclusive previews, behind-the-scenes content, and breeder interviews.
ABPM: Last question—what message would you like to leave with the Arabian horse community?
Ahmed Youssef: Respect the legacy, elevate the standards, and always celebrate the beauty and soul of the Arabian horse. This book is my tribute to everyone who has kept this noble breed thriving—and to those who will shape its future.
ABPM: Thank you, Ahmed. We look forward to the release!
Ahmed Youssef: Thank you so much. It’s an honor to share this journey with your readers.
