Albadeia Stud, established in 1935 by Mr Ahmed Marei, is Egypt’s oldest private Arabian horse breeding operation. Under the leadership of Dr Nasr Marei, who assumed full responsibility in the 1990s, the stud gained international acclaim for producing numerous champions and important breeding horses for other stud farms around the globe.
Following Dr Nasr Marei’s sudden passing in 2017, Albadeia Stud continues to uphold its esteemed legacy. The stud remains very active, celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2025, and continues to be an icon in straight Egyptian Arabian horse breeding. In this interview, Albadeia’s Stud Manager Mrs Zeina Hosni shares with us the latest news from the farm and gives an insight into future hopes.
Judith Wenning: Zeina, please tell us first of all some details about yourself.
Zeina Hosni: My name is Zeina Hosni. I am a Cairo-based, avid and lifelong horsewoman.
Arabian horses were mostly in the background as I pursued other equestrian endeavours over the last 30 years, such as showjumping, polo, etc. Now, however, Arabians are thoroughly centre stage.
My connection to Albadeia stems from a family friendship between the Marei family and my own, but my integration and involvement at the farm came about in a haphazard way. I brought my warmblood mare to the Albadeia clinic for a surgical procedure in 2021, and much like many who encounter this special farm, I was charmed and enamoured by its inhabitants. I became a frequent fixture at the farm from then on and became Director in the summer of 2024.
Outside of Albadeia, I have my own farm where all my interests and previous adventures are gathered, including retired showjumping horses, polo ponies from Argentina and a handful of Arabians. Even here, Albadeia is not far away as one of my broodmares is an Albadeia mare.
Beyond the farms, I remain in the horse world with my direct-to-consumer equestrian performance wear label, Sakkara. The story behind Sakkara is simple: in my many years in the saddle, I never found the right fit and fabric combination that suited me, my needs and my climate, so I tried to resolve that.
Wherever I am or whatever I am doing, horses are never far away. That is me, in summary.
Judith: How many horses does Albadeia have at the moment?
Zeina: Currently, the herd stands at 42 horses.
Judith: Please name some of the most important breeding mares and stallions at the moment at Albadeia.
Zeina: The mares at the centre of our breeding programme currently are:
Haneen Albadeia, a Laheeb (Imperial Imdal x AK Latifa) daughter out of Kamarain Albadeia (ex Kamar Albadeia), the daughter of Inshallah Albadeia (Farid Albadeia x Ibtehag Albadeia). The goal here is to preserve and perpetuate her lineage. Haneen reliably delivers size and movement, so it’s about selecting the right stallion who will enhance her positive traits and simultaneously enhance the herd.
Leilah Albadeia, a fleabitten daughter of Simeon Safir (Asfour x Simeon Safanad). She is by our own Tabarak Albadeia (Imperial Baarez x Tamima Albadeia), himself a contributor to the programme. Sadly, Simeon Safir passed away in the summer of 2024, but Leilah’s position in the programme is central as we grow her family.
Jawhara Torath Albadeia, one of three Bariq al Shaqab (Al Adeed al Shaqab x Wahayeb al Shaqab) daughters in the breeding programme. Jawhara’s dam, Joumana Albadeia (by Rayyan Albadeia), is the daughter of Ansata Majeeda (Ansata Hejazi x Dal Macharia). She has type, correctness and size in ample measure, and we hope she will be a key member of Albadeia’s next chapter.
Wahag Albadeia, perhaps the most recognisable Albadeia mare after Gelgelah Albadeia (Imperial Madori x Anhar Albadeia), this bold and charming bay is by Al Maraam (Imperial Imdal x The Vision HG) and out of Badeeat Albadeia (Magd Albadeia x Hekayat Albadeia). Here, similarly to Haneen Albadeia, we wish to preserve the bloodlines that have become scarce, and in this instance, we can play a little bit with colour, which is exciting!
Zahra Albadeia, a granddaughter of the amazing Isaad Albadeia (Gaafar Albadeia x Zaghroudat Albadeia) through her dam Zaheda Albadeia (by Laheeb), Zahra is a vital member of the Albadeia herd. What she lacks conformationally, she more than makes up for in type and movement. The goal here is to help her maximise her potential and aid her where required by selecting a stallion who will strengthen her conformational weakness. Zahra is by Bariq al Shaqab.
Ahlaam Albadeia, a lovely bay out of the Anaza el Farid (Ruminaja Ali x Bint Deenaa) daughter ZT Ahlam (ex ZT Fardiyyah). Her sire is Sabeh al Salhiya (Ansata Nile Echo x Mareeka). Ahlaam brings a lot of new blood into Albadeia. She gave us a lovely bay colt by Sofian Sakr (Ansata Marengo x Sara Sakr) this year, so one is easily tempted to repeat the stallion and possibly be blessed with a full sister next year.
Last, but certainly not least, is Samah Albadeia (ex Semha Albadeia). At twenty years old, this Majd al Rayyan (Safir x Ansata Nawarra) daughter continues to add value to the herd. Samah has great importance at Albadeia. She is a descendant of one of Albadeia’s most iconic broodmares, Kamar Albadeia (Kayed x Naeema). Samah is a reliable broodmare, consistently passing on movement and a well-placed, arched neck.
Her oldest daughter, Barraqa Albadeia, is alongside her in the program. She possesses a very different look courtesy of her sire, Bareeq Albadeia (Laheeb x Sahlalah Albadeia) but she maintains the characteristics of her dam.
The stallions at Albadeia currently are:
Tabarak Albadeia, son of Imperial Baarez (PVA Kariim x BB Ora Kalilah) and one of Albadeia’s most prominent broodmares, Tamima Albadeia (Bar Sama Halim x Aneesat Albdaeia). Aside from being a gentleman and a joy to handle, his contribution to the programme comes in form of two mares who have taken the Albadeia look in a different direction. They will become core members of the breeding programme moving forward.
Saeed Albadeia, son of World Championship contender Isaad Albadeia (Gaafar Albadeia x Zaghroudat Albadeia), perhaps one of Albadeia’s best movers. His sire, Bariq al Shaqab, played a key role at the farm, infusing refinement and type into the programme. Saeed’s strong body and floating movement are directly descended from Isaad, and he consistently passes these traits on. Saeed’s youngest daughter, Basmallah Albadeia (ex Barraqa Albadeia) is a promising filly and we are keeping an eye on her.
Halim Albadeia units several prolific and prominent bloodlines in his pedigree. He is by Rayyan Albadeia (Majd Al Rayyan x Hekayat Albadeia), out of Haneen Albadeia (Laheeb x Kamarain Albadeia). He is a long but balanced stallion with presence and character. His daughter, Sala Albadeia (ex Samah Albadeia) enters the programme this year!
Then we come to our senior stallions:
Bareeq Albadeia, approaching 16 years of age, is a striking son of Laheeb and out of Sahlalah Albadeia (Bar Sama Halim x Nadrat Albadeia) and is still standing at Albadeia. He has contributed two wonderful mares to the current programme.
And finally, Haytham Albadeia (Simeon Sharav x Galagel Albadeia). Now in his 20s, this World Championship contender is very much at the heart of the farm.
Judith: How many foals are expected this current season and by which stallions are they?
Zeina: The mares were recently bred so we will be expecting ten foals in late 2025/early 2026, if all goes well, inshallah. You’ll have to come visit and see!
Judith: Is Albadeia taking part in show competitions?
Zeina: Currently, we do not have any show commitments in the 2025 calendar. However, the temptation is always there!
When you have mares that really shine in the show-ring, it is hard to keep them out. But the priority for the immediate future is to secure the selected lines and build families around them.
Our handler/trainer visits twice a week to keep the horses focused, regardless of the show calendar, so we are ready to go at any time.
Bringing Albadeia back to the show-ring is in the plan, so be sure to look out for us in the near future!
Judith: The late owner Dr Nasr Marei was extremely popular and his work was highly appreciated. How is his spirit and heritage still present?
Zeina: Dr Nasr Marei is very much present every day at Albadeia. It is impossible not to feel his presence on the property. He is visible in the horses and their surroundings.
Often his words, which match the words of notable, well-respected Egyptian breeders, come to mind when I am working with the horses or on the breeding programme:
- The high value placed on breeding a complete and balanced horse.
- The preservation and protection of bloodlines and not letting lines go extinct.
- And most importantly, not being swayed by the thoughts and opinions of others.
Judith: Who is the current owner of Albadeia?
Zeina: Albadeia Stud is still owned by the Marei family; specifically Sherif Marei, Dr Nasr Marei’s nephew, who places high emphasis on the preservation of Albadeia’s legacy and the welfare of the horses and the programme.
Judith: What do you think are the most important changes at the farm in the past couple of years?
Zeina: The biggest change was the loss of Dr Nasr Marei. The shift was sudden and tragic. Navigating that was a challenge for the family and all those involved with Albadeia Stud.
For my part, the changes implemented have surrounded the programme and daily operations at the farm; setting a working schedule for the horses; studying the introduction of new blood to the herd; and being careful and considerate of the mares being bred.
As the saying goes: quality, not quantity.
Albadeia is situated in the heart of Giza, in between two large, highly-congested roads, so as the city continues to develop and surround the farm, it is increasingly important to keep the horses comfortable and at ease.
We have made more space for turnout, so the horses spend more time together outside. Horses are social and herd animals, so it is important to cater to their behavioural needs as much as possible.
Additionally, I am working on Albadeia’s digital presence. A brand-new website is nearing completion, and we also have few more creative endeavours coming online in 2025. I am really excited!
Judith: What are the goals and future plans for Albadeia?
Zeina: For me, the primary goal and focus is the well-being of both the horses and the breeding programme. Ensuring that each herd member is happy, healthy and in the best condition possible is at the top of every day’s to-do list.
Breeding-wise, I am determined to have each of the aforementioned mares create their own mini-legacy at Albadeia. We will ensure each of these mares has their own family; because several of these mares have daughters and/or mothers that left Albadeia, leaving them as the sole representative of their family.
A breeding programme shows its calibre by showcasing the consistency of its families, and you cannot do that with just a catalogue of broodmares, no matter how exceptional they are, so it is paramount to the programme to keep these iconic families alive.
I hope to usher in a new chapter at Albadeia. One that preserves and protects the horses and the history of the farm, while also evolving and improving the herd; I believe this is what Dr Nasr Marei would have wanted.
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