The 2026 season of the Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) has officially begun, with the first championship in Abu Dhabi concluding in great success under the esteemed presence of His Highness Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. The Abu Dhabi event set a powerful benchmark for the season ahead, reaffirming the tour’s role as the leading international platform for Arabian horse excellence. Held over four days of world-class competition, the opening leg delivered exceptional performances, and the first results of the season are in.
The Yearling Filly Championship saw Malikah al Arab (ALK Retajj x Adwaa al Arab) deliver a confident and refined performance to claim the very first gold medal of the season for Qatar’s Hleetan Stud. Close behind, Shalwa al Adwan (Harbi al Adwan x Lina AT) representing Al Jumail Stud earned silver, while Selene Albidayer (Arjuwan Albidayer x Badeeah Albidayer) completed the podium with a bronze medal for Albidayer Stud of the United Arab Emirates.
In the Yearling Colt Championship, AJ Fayed (D Shahhar x AJ Felicia) impressed the judges with its presence, movement, and overall quality, securing the gold medal for Ajman Stud, United Arab Emirates. Silver honours went to Kibrit al Shaqab (Alexxanderr x Alaian al Shaqab) of Qatar, followed by D Yamaan (D Shahhar x D Reemah), who added a bronze medal to the tally for the Dubai Arabian Horse Stud.
The Junior Female Championship saw top honours awarded to Al Aryam Harbah (S.M.A. Magic One x Al Aryam Hamra). She delivered an exceptional performance, earning a score of 20. Silver was claimed by Areej Akmal (Rhan al Shahania x Badia A) for Abu Dhabi, while Expectations al Wajba (Excalibur EA x Expected Beauty) completed the podium with bronze for Al Wajba Stud.
The Junior Male Championship delivered a striking display of quality and presence, with gold honours going to Qatar’s Aesar al Wajba (AJ Radman x LR Altagracia). Silver was awarded to D Mazyoon (D Fannan x D al Shahba), bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. As for bronze, the medal was handed to Mishref al Shaqab (EKS Farajj x Bashirah al Shaqab) representing Qatar’s Al Shaqab.
Gold in the Senior Female Championship was claimed by the ethereal D Najlah (D Seraj x Elle Flamenca) for Dubai Stud. The mare delivered a polished performance. Silver honours went to Al Aryam Atab (S.M.A. Magic One x Al Aryam Abla) for Al Aryam Arabians. Basandrasettimocielo (Ajman Moniscione x MA Scarlet) for Ajman Stud walked away with a well-earned bronze title and a total of 15 points.
The event concluded with a thrilling final, as the celebrated D Seraj (FA el Rasheem x Ladi Veronika) rose to secure the gold Senior Male Championship for the United Arab Emirates’ Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Al Aryam Shklaan (Excalibur EA x Al Aryam Shakeera) followed with a strong showing to earn silver for Al Aryam Arabians, while D Sharar (D Seraj x FT Shaella) completed the podium with a bronze medal, also for the Dubai Arabian Horse Stud.
In just over two weeks, the Global Champions Arabians Tour makes its debut in Doha, the championship’s birthplace, from 4-7 February at one of the city’s prime locations, Katara.
Follow @arabianstour on Instagram or visit www.gcarabianstour.com to stay updated with the latest news, or download the GCAT app, available on Apple and Android for real-time results and rankings.
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