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Abu Dhabi Kicks Off 2026’s Elite Arabian Horse Tour

Global Champions Arabians Tour 2026 dazzles Abu Dhabi, blending heritage, luxury, and elite equestrian competition across iconic global venues.

Por: Karla Sofía Espinoza
Global Champions Arabians Tour 2026
The Abu Dhabi leg of the GCAT 2026 season was a masterclass in equestrian artistry / Photo @arabianstour

The 2026 Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) has launched in spectacular fashion, marking a new chapter in the world of elite equestrian sport. The season’s opening championship in Abu Dhabi, held from January 15–18, captivated audiences and set a dazzling standard for the year ahead.

Under the distinguished patronage of His Highness Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the event showcased the crème de la crème of purebred Arabian horses.

This prestigious gathering not only celebrated the unmatched beauty and athleticism of these noble animals but also solidified GCAT’s reputation as the ultimate global stage for Arabian horse excellence.

The 2026 GCAT calendar features 13 events across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas / Photo gcarabianstour.com

The Abu Dhabi leg of the GCAT 2026 season was a masterclass in equestrian artistry. Over four days, 162 of the world’s finest Arabian horses competed across six categories, each vying for the coveted gold, silver, and bronze medals. The event was a celebration of beauty, grace, and the unparalleled heritage of the Arabian breed.

Part of the show of Abu Dhabi 2026 GCAT / Photo @arabianstour

Abu Dhabi Championship Highlights

  • Yearling Fillies: Malikah AlArab (Hleetan Stud, Qatar) claimed gold, with Shalwa Al Adwan (Al Jumail Stud, Qatar) and Selene Al Bidayer (Albidayer Stud, UAE) taking silver and bronze, respectively.

  • Yearling Colts: AJ Fayed (Ajman Stud, UAE) secured gold, followed by Kibrit Al Shaqab (Qatar) and D Yamaan (Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, UAE).

  • Junior Fillies: Al Aryam Harbah delivered a standout performance for gold, with Areej Akmal (Abu Dhabi) and Expectations AlWajba (Al Wajba Stud, Qatar) completing the podium.

  • Junior Colts: Aesar AlWajba (Qatar) took gold, with D Mazyoon (Dubai Arabian Horse Stud) and Mishref Al Shaqab (Qatar) earning silver and bronze.

  • Senior Mare: D Najlah (Dubai Stud) claimed gold, with Al Aryam Atab (Ajman Stud) and Basandrasettimocielo (Ajman Stud) rounding out the top three.

  • Senior Stallion: The celebrated D Seraj (Dubai Arabian Horse Stud) secured gold, with Al Aryam Shklaan (Al Aryam Arabians) and D Sharar (Dubai Arabian Horse Stud) taking silver and bronze.

The Concept: A Global Stage for Arabian Excellence

The Global Champions Arabians Tour is more than a championship—it is a movement. Inaugurated in 2024, GCAT was created to promote the uniqueness of purebred Arabian horses through an international platform, fostering a legacy of excellence, transparency, fairness, and integrity.

The tour brings together the finest horses, breeders, and enthusiasts from around the world, offering the highest prize money in the sport’s history—€17,000,000 (USD 20,109,000) for the 2026 season.

The place of GCAT in the Luxury Market

  • Cultural Prestige: GCAT events are held in iconic locations, blending local heritage with global luxury. Each stop is a celebration of the Arabian horse’s historical significance and its enduring appeal among elite circles.

  • Unmatched Prize Money: With €17,000,000 (USD 20,100,000) at stake, GCAT attracts the best competitors, elevating the sport’s profile and creating a new benchmark for equestrian excellence.

  • Exclusive Experiences: From VIP hospitality to curated cultural events, GCAT offers an unparalleled experience for attendees, making it a must-attend for luxury lifestyle connoisseurs.

Next Stops: A Journey Across Iconic Destinations

The 2026 GCAT calendar features 13 events across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. After Abu Dhabi, the tour moves to:

  • Doha, Qatar (February 4–7): The championship’s birthplace, set against the stunning backdrop of Katara, promises a return to its roots with world-class competition and Qatari hospitality.

  • Muscat, Oman (April): A new addition, Muscat will showcase the beauty of Omani culture and the Arabian horse’s legacy.

  • Cannes, France (June): The French Riviera’s glamour meets equestrian excellence in one of the tour’s most anticipated European stops.

  • Rome, Italy (September): A historic setting for a celebration of Arabian horse heritage.

  • Paris, France (December): The grand finale, where the season’s champions will be crowned in the City of Light.

Other notable stops include Valkenswaard (Netherlands), London (UK), and new American destinations such as Miami and Denver, reflecting GCAT’s commitment to global inclusivity and cultural exchange.

Stops in USA

  • Scottsdale: 13 – 15 February
  • Miami Beach: 10 – 12 April
  • Las Vegas: 02 – 04 October
Part of the show of Abu Dhabi 2026 GCAT / Photo @arabianstour

The GCAT Supreme: A New Level of Competition

At the end of the season, the GCAT Supreme will bring together the gold, silver, and bronze champions from each stage to compete for a €500,000 (USD 582,000) prize. This innovative concept adds a strategic layer to the competition, as participants must decide whether to compete across the entire tour or focus on securing a medal position at select stages to qualify for the Supreme.

The GCAT is not just a sporting event—it is a cultural phenomenon. It connects people and cultures through a shared passion for the Arabian horse, offering a unique blend of sport, heritage, and luxury. For those who appreciate the finer things in life, attending a GCAT event is an opportunity to witness history in the making, surrounded by the world’s most exquisite horses and like-minded enthusiasts.

Part of the show of Abu Dhabi 2026 GCAT / Photo @arabianstour

Q&A: Global Champions Arabians Tour 2026

  • What makes the Global Champions Arabians Tour unique? GCAT is the world’s most prestigious Arabian horse championship, blending elite competition, cultural heritage, and unmatched luxury in iconic global venues.
  • Where is the next GCAT event after Abu Dhabi? The tour’s next stop is Doha, Qatar, from February 4–7, 2026, at the stunning Katara venue.
  • How much prize money is offered in the 2026 GCAT season? The 2026 season features a record €17,000,000 (USD 20,100,000) in prize money, the highest in the sport’s history.
  • What is the GCAT Supreme? The GCAT Supreme is a season-ending championship where gold, silver, and bronze medalists from each stage compete for a €500,000 prize.
  • How can I follow the Global Champions Arabians Tour? Follow @arabianstour on Instagram, visit gcarabianstour.com, or download the GCAT app for real-time results and updates.

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