Pomp and pageantry arrive in capital

The capital today received its first taste of the pomp and pageantry of the British Household Cavalry's musical ride ahead of their appearance tomorrow. The full display of British tradition and equestrianism will be seen for the first time in the Middle East when horsemen from the Household Cavalry performs the musical ride, its display of equestrian skill, at the Abu Dhabi Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. Britain's ambassador to the UAE, Edward Oakden, said he had never before been announced by liveried trumpeters but it was a rare public example of the "longstanding and enduring" links between Britain and the UAE. Britain's military links with the region date back 200 years, making them even older than the musical ride, which was first performed in 1882. Mohammed Khalaf al Mazrouie, the chairman of the Adihex organising committee, described the visit as "cultural diplomacy" between UAE and Britain, which had hosted traditional Emirati skills at a festival outside London in July.