Global Champions Arabians Tour Continues Its Expansion
by David Graver
January 2026
Originally published in Douglas Elliman Equestrian Winter 2026.
An equestrian spectacle of elegance and excitement, the Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) celebrates the beauty and spirit of the historic Arabian horse breed. Founded in 2024, the competition tour expanded to 14 international markets in 2025, inviting thousands of attendees to observe not only sporting excellence but also cultural heritage and international collaboration. This second year commenced with an eight-part Europe and the middle east series, followed by a five-stop Americas tour, then concluded with the world Arabian horse championship supreme in Doha.
In addition to purebred equestrian theatrics, each four-day installment to event incorporated local festivities—and a large financial prize for victors. “The Global Champions Arabians Tour was founded with a clear mission: to elevate the Arabian horse to the global stage it deserves,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Thani, the Deputy CEO of GCAT, tells Elliman Equestrian. “Each year, the tour aims to advance the sport’s standards of fairness, prestige, and visibility, while connecting communities and cultures through a shared passion for this noble breed.”
Every GCAT stop presents several competition categories that delve into the depth and dimension of the Arabian horse world—from yearlings and juniors to senior mares and stallions. “Each category highlights not only physical beauty and movement but also lineage, character, and expression, all core to the Arabian horse’s identity. Together, these categories celebrate both the artistry and the discipline that define Arabian horse competition,” says Sheikh Mohammed.
In addition to honoring the best horses, GCAT also awards the best handlers of the Tour. “Arabian horse competitions are not just about appearance; they are about heritage, precision, and connection,” Sheikh Mohammed adds. “Each presentation in the ring reflects centuries of breeding, dedication, and respect between horse and handler. The Arabian horse is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and elegance; watching them compete is witnessing living history.”
In an effort to share the Arabian horse legacy with international equestrian and cultural hubs, GCAT introduced 2025’s North American marquee competitions in Scottsdale, Miami Beach, Denver and Las Vegas. “We looked for destinations that combine strong equestrian heritage, lifestyle appeal, and international accessibility,” Sheikh Mohammed says. For GCAT, the U.S. market was alluring for its particular blend of tradition and innovation.
The pinnacle of GCAT, the aforementioned World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme event was hosted on December 5 and 6, 2025. It marked the completion of the year-long journey for horse, handler, and the tour itself. “It is where the season’s best horses, breeders, and handlers come together under one grand stage to compete for the ultimate honor,” Sheikh Mohammed says. “Beyond the competition, it’s a celebration of culture and community, blending world-class sport with Qatari hospitality, art, and tradition.”
In 2026, the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme will dazzle Paris in late November, the final showdown to another world tour. Bridging global excellence with local passion, the competition will travel from the United Arab Emirates to Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait before venturing to Europe, then the Americas. Every stage of the Tour is set to be momentous—each a representation of the peak of the sport.
Related STORIES
