GCAT Launches the 2026 Season with a Highly Anticipated Opening Show in Abu Dhabi
The Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) kicks off its 2026 season with the first leg of the championship series at the prestigious Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
The Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) is set to ignite the 2026 season with its highly anticipated opening leg, taking place at the prestigious Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Marking the official start of a new championship journey, the four-day event promises an unforgettable celebration of elite Arabian horse competition, heritage, and community.
As one of the region’s most iconic equestrian venues, the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club provides the perfect stage for the season’s opening showdown – a venue synonymous with excellence, tradition, and world-class sport. From January 15-18, 2026, the championship will welcome breeders, owners, and handlers from across the region and beyond.
A Season Begins, Expectations Rise
The opening show of the GCAT season is more than just a competition – it is the moment where new narratives begin to unfold. Questions are already circulating throughout the Arabian horse community:
Who will emerge as the horse of the year?
Will a standout champion dominate the 2026 season from the very first stop?
The season opener sets the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive year, with the world’s leading studs expected to vie for an early advantage. The 2026 season also welcomes a wave of new and emerging stables arriving with strong momentum and growing anticipation as they present their horses on one of the sport’s most influential global stages.
Over the years, GCAT has played a pivotal role in elevating stables to the international spotlight, offering breeders an unparalleled platform to build their reputation, showcase excellence, and establish their stud names among the elite of the industry.
Chairman’s Welcome
Commenting on the start of the new season, Faleh Al Nasr, Chairman of GCAT, said:
“The launch of the 2026 season represents a defining moment for our tour and for the Arabian horse community. Abu Dhabi is the perfect setting to begin this journey – a city rooted in equestrian heritage and excellence. Each new season brings renewed ambition, rising talent, and powerful stories, and we look forward to witnessing the next chapter of champions unfold.”
EAHS General Manager’s Statement
Commenting on the launch of the 2026 season, Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi, General Manager of the Emirates Arabian Horse Society (EAHS), said: “The opening of the Global Champions Arabians Tour 2026 season in Abu Dhabi reflects the UAE’s enduring commitment to the Purebred Arabian horse and to advancing the sport on a global level. Hosting this prestigious championship reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading international hub for excellence, heritage, and world-class Arabian horse competition. We are proud to support platforms such as GCAT that celebrate the legacy of the Arabian horse while upholding the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and sporting excellence.”
Suspense Builds as Champions Return and New Stars Emerge
With anticipation at its peak, attention turns to returning champions from previous seasons. Which familiar names will make their comeback? Which established contenders will once again challenge for the top positions, and who among the newcomers will rise to redefine the hierarchy?
Excitement is particularly high around the yearling classes, traditionally one of the most closely watched categories of the season. All eyes will be on the young prospects making their competitive debuts – a new generation of Arabian horses stepping into the spotlight for the very first time, carrying the hopes and ambitions of their breeders.
Beyond the Arena: A Complete Experience
In addition to four days of top-tier competition, the event will feature a vibrant shopping village and a range of family-friendly activities, creating a dynamic destination for all attendees. The Abu Dhabi leg is designed to offer an immersive experience that blends sport, lifestyle, and culture, reinforcing GCAT’s vision of delivering championships that extend far beyond the arena.
With Thanks to Our Sponsors
GCAT extends its sincere appreciation to its valued sponsors and partners – Qatar Airways, Doha Bank, Richard Mille, Waldorf Astoria, United Development Company, and AlKass – whose continued support plays a vital role in delivering a world-class championship.
