GCAT Europe and Middle East 2025.
Royal meet

It took me a few months to write this article. I wanted to go beyond what's usually written about lavish world shows. Rhinestones and feathers, quadcopters and fireworks, limitless budgets and crazy prize money—all of that is great, of course, but I wanted to focus on something more important: the horses.

So here is what I did: I analysed the 64 champions' pedigrees in details and compiled profiles of their breeders and owners. This recently launched grand world show- The Global Champions Arabians Tour - is already making a powerful mark on the entire Arabian horse industry. So, what exactly is this event? Let's find out together.

GCAT - Global Champions Arabians Tour - is a special series of Arabian horse championships: the sport of halter horse shows; the pinnacle of breed shows.

This elite and beautiful sport is rooted in centuries-old traditions of presenting horses “in hand,” in lightweight tack, to guests or buyers, whether at private stable shows, breed shows, or auctions. Over time, these presentations of horses in lightweight halters have evolved into a highly dynamic and spectacular sport.

The main heroes are a pair: an elegant handler and a fabulously beautiful Arabian horse.

The handler’s task is to reveal the horse's beauty, grace, athletic potential to the spectators and judges in two or three minutes. The horse's task is to obey its handler.

The horse wears an elegant thin halter attached to a long leather lead rope held by the handler. Using this simple tack, the handler demonstrates mastery of controlling the horse at two gaits—the extended trot and the walk — and then brings the horse to a standing position.

At the world show level, horse control in hand reaches such a high level that it becomes a true art. You look into the arena and see a miracle: grace, harmony, floating movements, almost like ballet. But behind all this ease lie years of skill and hundreds of training hours.

The Global Champions Arabians Tour is like the Arabian horse champions' Round-the-World Tour.
Essentially, it's an international series of competitions, moving from one country and city to the next, featuring the world's most beautiful Arabian horses. The list of competition venues and dates is announced before the start of the new Tour season.
The phrase "global (or round-the-world) tour" perfectly captures the concept of the event.

Not only the horse but also its entire entourage, including the owner, breeder, stud manager, trainer, groomer, and media representatives, travels through a pre-approved list of countries and cities.To avoid the participants being overwhelmed by the hassle of transporting horses and preparing them for competition, the GCAT organizers have transformed each stage into a grand celebration, reducing stress and instilling joy.

Each host country highlights its strengths and values, offers a brief historical overview, and connects participants with their unique culture through the most recognizable images.

Participants literally become travellers and explorers, gaining vivid impressions and new insights into the world.

The Global Champions Arabians Tour was first announced at the World Arabian Horse Championship in Doha, Qatar,
in December 07, 2023.

KEY AIMS OF THE GLOBAL CHAMPIONS ARABIANS TOUR
• Promote the Arabian horse breed
• Enhance the competition
• Develop the equestrian sport
• Connect people and cultures around the world through a shared passion
• Involve new participants, encourage mutual respect and knowledge sharing

Thus, an aesthetically beautiful sport is complemented by an entertaining, educational, and outreach program.
And, perhaps most importantly, it offers the opportunity to meet hundreds, even thousands, of members of the global Arabian horse community, exchange knowledge, and identify the best achievements in Arabian horse breeding, training, and performance.

The organizers envision the entire competition chain taking place in the most beautiful, luxurious, and iconic locations in each country. These include the verdant mangroves of the Al Zorah Nature Reserve in Ajman, United Arab Emirates; the ethno-village of Doha's new fashionable district Katara, with its gigantic amphitheatre and breathtaking views of the Gulf; the five-star Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace Hotel in Oman's capital, surrounded by picturesque mountains and shady palm groves; the famous Croisette promenade in Cannes, France, overlooking the dazzling sea; and many other unforgettable places.

Each championship is accompanied by a vibrant and colourful performance: thousands of quadcopters paint living pictures in the night sky, while fireworks and salutes light up the arena. Military parades march during the opening and closing ceremonies. Children's choirs, adult dance groups, symphony and folk orchestras intertwine to form a singular whole. World-class singers ignite the stands, and Circus du Soleil acts make the heart beat faster—everything is designed to dazzle, surprise, and, most importantly, highlight the unique qualities of the host country and the high significance of the event.

SLOGAN "RESPECTING BEAUTY WITH INTEGRITY"
As a non-native English speaker, I'll try to give my interpretation of this slogan.
The English word "Integrity" [ɪnˈtɛɡrɪtɪ] has several meanings.
The closest translation of "Integrity" in this case is honesty, completeness, and inviolability;
it also means transparency and a consistent display of moral character, even in the face of challenges and temptations.
Integrity also includes responsibility, trustworthiness, and the desire to do what is right, even when no one is watching.
Given these definitions, I understand the slogan "Respecting beauty with integrity" to mean "CONSCIENTIOUS RESPECT FOR BEAUTY".

THE ROUTE WAS BUILT

Starting in 2024, GCAT's geography includes a number of major cities in the Middle East and Europe.

Middle Eastern countries host the GCAT in winter, when the weather is most comfortable. The list of these countries in 2024 and 2025 has not changed:

• Qatar (first held in Doha, February 1-5, 2024; then February 5-8, 2025);
• United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, February 22-25, 2024; Ajman, January 3-6, 2025);
• Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, November 13-16, 2024; April 9-12, 2025);
• Oman (Muscat, 30 March – 1 April 2024; 6-8 March 2025).

European countries host the Global Champions Arabians Tour during the summer time. The list of participating European countries has a little bit changed:

• France (Cannes, June 10-11, 2024; June 13-15, 2025);
• The Netherlands (Valkenswaard, July 20-21, 2024; July 18-20, 2025);
• Italy (Rome, September 3-4, 2024) – did not participate in 2025.
The following countries have been added in 2025:
• The United Kingdom (London, August 14-17, 2025);
• Czech Republic (Prague, September 4-6, 2025).

Starting in 2025, the GCAT Americas tour expanded to include countries in both North and South America. The American part of the tour was held in the following cities:

• Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (February 18 and 20, 2025);
• Miami, Florida, United States (April 17-19, 2025);
• Sao Paulo, Brazil (July 13-14, 2025);
• *Denver, Colorado, United States (August 8-9, 2025);
• Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America (September 26-28, 2025).
* One of the championships was supposed to be held in Brandon, Canada, but was moved to Denver, USA.

QUALIFICATIONS

Only open halter classes will be considered.
Yearlings must be weaned, and they may not be shown under the age of six (6) month.
Horses, except yearlings, should have qualified for the GCAT event as follows:

1. ECAHO affiliated Shows:
1.1. top-5 place at the World Championship, a Title, a GCAT, an A, or a B Show;
1.2. top-3 place at a National Championship, an С International or a European Show;
1.3. the 1st place at a Specific Origin or a С National Show.
2. USA Shows:
2.1. top-5 place at a GCAT Americas show;
2.2. Champion or Reserve Champion or top-10 at the US Nationals;

2.3. Champion or Reserve Champion or the 1st place in class at the Scottsdale Show;2.4. Champion or Reserve Champion in Regional Shows;
2.5. Champion or Reserve Champion, or 1-3 place in an official National Championship;
2.6. the 1st place at the Arabian Breeders World Cup show.
3. AHO shows:
3.1. Champion or Reserve Champion or the 1st place in class at AHO International shows

More detailed rules are published on the official GCAT website and in company catalogues:
Home - Global Champions Arabians Tour

BRIEFLY ABOUT THE JUDGING SYSTEM

The judging team at each GCAT Championship consists of 16 people, the majority of whom are international class judges (A, B) from the ECAHO list. In countries that are not members of the ECAHO, judges must be selected by a recognized National Arabian Horse Organization.
Judges on probation are not permitted.

Nine judges must be present in the arena during class judging, and 11 during championship judging.

Horses are judged on a 20-point scale, including half-points.
Evaluation criteria:
1) breed type,
2) head and neck,
3) back (body),
4) legs,
5) movement.
The final score for each horse is calculated by subtracting the highest and lowest scores for each criterion and summing the remaining points.

BRIFLY ABOUT CLASSES AND CHAMPIONSHIPS

Before the competition, horses are divided into classes by gender and age:
Yearlings (born this year, at least six months old, fully weaned),
Juniors (born in the previous two years),
Senior (three years and older).

The top three winners in their class advance to the championship:

1. Yearling Filly Championship,
2. Yearling Colt Championship,
3. Junior Filly Championship,
4. Junior Colt Championship,
5. Mare Championship,
6. Stallion Championship.
Judges select three winners in each championship – the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Champions. In total, there are 18 medal winners (6 Gold, 6 Silver and 6 Bronze champions) based on the results of each GCAT series.

EACH MONTH

Qualified Arabian horses for the GCAT Middle East and Europe participate in the Middle East & Europe series.
Eight championships (four in the Middle East, four in Europe) are scheduled for 2025.

Qualified Arabian horses for the GCAT Americas participate in championships within specified North and South American countries. Five championships are scheduled for 2025.

During the current year of the Global Tour, an Arabian horse
• may compete in all serial competitions

(8 or 6 championships, depending on which part of the Global Tour it was selected for);
• a horse may compete in some of GCAT championships;
• a horse may compete in one of GCAT championships.

* The owner decides how often a horse participates in competitions.

For an Arabian horse to be included in the overall ranking, which is used to calculate the prize money, it must take part in at least 80% of the competitions in its part of the Tour.

AT THE END OF THE YEAR

In 2024, the pinnacle of the Global Champions Arabians Tour was the World Arabian Horse Championships in Paris, France. Among the other participants were the stars of the 2024 GCAT, including the snow-white mare AJ Kayya of the Ajman Stud, UAE and the silver-white stallion D Seraj of the Dubai Stud, UAE.

In 2025, the World Arabian Horse Championships will be held in Doha, Qatar. This time, only those Arabian horses that have participated in the 2025 GCAT (GCAT Middle East & Europe and GCAT Americas) and have won gold, silver, and bronze titles at least once will be eligible to compete in this major global competition.

GETTING TO THE POINT

At the time of writing, the 2025 GCAT has reached its super final stage. It has completed a remarkable 14-championship run:
1) 4 in the Middle East, 4 in Europe,
2) 6 in the Americas.

It is already known that 117 Arabian horses have been selected for competing in the 2025 World Championship:
• 64 Arabian horses from the GCAT Middle Eastern and Europe;
• 53 Arabian horses from the GCAT Americas.

The World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme, featuring over 100 of the world's best Arabian horses, will take place in Doha, Qatar, from December 5–6, 2025. It is the grand finale of the Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) and boasts an unprecedented €4.98 million prize fund, the highest in Arabian horse competition history.
Below, we will take a detailed look at the 64 champions from the GCAT Middle East and Europe, selected to the WAHC Supreme 2025.
A separate article will be devoted to the GCAT Americas champions.
List of participants and results can be found here: Results - Global Champions Arabians Tour

2025 GCAT MIDDLE EAST & EUROPE — 64 CHAMPIONS, 144 MEDALS

COUNTRIES - CHAMPION BREEDERS
The breeding success for the 2025 GCAT Middle East and Europe champions is notably concentrated, emerging from a select group of only 14 countries.
1. United Arab Emirates – 21 champions, 57 medals.
2. Saudi Arabia – 12 champions, 22 medals.
3. Qatar – 11 champions, 26 medals.
4. United States of America – 4 champions, 14 medals.
5. Kuwait – 4 champions, 7 medals.
6. South Africa – 2 champions, 5 medals.
7. Uruguay – 2 champions, 2 medals.
8. Poland – 2 champions, 2 medals.
9. Belgium – 1 champion, 1 medal.
10. Brazil – 1 champion, 1 medal.
11. Germany – 1 champion, 1 medal.
12. Jordan – 1 champion, 1 medal.
14. Oman – 1 champion, 1 medal.
The lion's share of champions and medals go to the top three countries — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar: a combined 44 champions out of 64 (69%), and a combined 105 medals out of 144 (73%).

COUNTRIES - CHAMPION OWNERS
Champions of the 2025 GCAT Middle East and Europe are owned by individuals and studs from a select group of just 10 countries.
1. Qatar – 26 champions, 67 medals.
2. United Arab Emirates – 18 champions, 45 medals.
3. Saudi Arabia – 11 champions, 22 medals.
4. Switzerland – 3 champions, 4 medals.
5. Jordan – 1 champion, 1 medal.
6. Kuwait – 1 champion, 1 medal.
7. Libya – 1 champion, 1 medal.
8. Oman – 1 champion, 1 medal.
9. Palestine – 1 champion, 1 medal.
10. Poland – 1 champion, 1 medal.
And again, the lion's share of champions and medals goes to the top three countries - Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia: a total of 55 champions out of 64 (86%), a total of 134 medals out of 144 (93%).

CHAMPION BREEDERS

1. The United Arab Emirates is by far the leading producer of champion horses.
Notably, the majority of champion horses (20 out of 21) bred in the UAE were born in the "royal stables" owned by members of the UAE's ruling families.

DUBAI STUD. Twelve champions were born at the Dubai Stud, owned by the Al Maktoum family, the ruling family of the Emirate of Dubai and led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. GCAT Middle East and Europe 2025 saw an all-time record for a single stud farm, with Dubai Stud's 12 champions earning 33 medals (23% of the total, or almost a quarter). No other breeder can come close to these figure.

AJMAN STUD. Four champions were born at the Ajman Stud, owned by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Ajman.

AL BIDAYER STUD. Two champions were born at the Al Bidayer Stud, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Saoud Al Qassimi, a member of Sharjah's ruling family.

AL ARYAM STUD. One champion was born at the Al Aryam Stud, owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a brother of the UAE President and a member of Abu Dhabi's ruling family.

EMIRATES STUD. One champion was born at the Emirates Stud, which belongs to Sheikh Abdullah bin Majid Al Qassimi, a member of Sharjah's ruling family.

It should be noted that all the aforementioned UAE stud farms belong to passionate Arabian horse lovers and great enthusiasts of the breed. They were all at the inception of the Arabian equestrian industry in the Emirates. And the contribution of each of them to the development of Arabian horse shows in their country and abroad is immense.

One of the champion horses was bred by Mr. Fahed bin Salem Al Zaabi, owner of the Al Manhal Stud in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It is unknown whether he is a member of the ruling family, but he is certainly a noble man and a very talented breeder.

ألف مبروك

2-3. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as breeding countries, are neck-to-neck running in terms of the number of champions produced: 12 and 11 horses, respectively. However, Qatar edged out Saudi Arabia in the medal count by four, with 26 to Saudi Arabia's 22.

From Saudi Arabia, ten different breeders contributing to the medal tally at the GCAT Middle East and Europe.

AKMAL STUD. One champion, the yearling filly Areej Akmal, a two-time silver medalist in Riyadh and Prague, was born at the Akmal Stud, owned by Prince Abdulmajid bin Sultan Al Saud, a young and talented breeder from the kingdom's ruling family.

AL SAYED STUD. One champion, the yearling filly Delayel Al Sayed, who took silver in Doha and gold in Prague, was born at the renowned Al Sayed Stud, owned by Sheikh Abdulwahab and Sheikh Khalid Al Sayed.

AJMAL STUD. Mr. Turki Al Othman's Al Ajman stud topped the Saudi standings with three champions and five medals, including two golds.

The remaining seven Saudi breeders each produced one champion.
Abdulazez Mohammd Almudimigh: 1 champion, 1 medal (Gold - 1);
Enaya Stud - Tarig Bin Mohammed Enaya: 1 champion, 1 medal (Bronze - 1)
Fahad Abed Al Boainain: 1 champion, 2 medal (Gold - 2)
Faisal Saad Jofain Al Otaibe - Al Areeb Stud: 1 champion, 1 medal (Bronze - 1)
Mohammad Alajmi: 1 champion, 4 medals (Silver -3; Bronze - 1)
Mohammed Sulaiman Mohammed AlKhudayr: 1 champion, 1 medal (Silver - 1)
Shazin Stud - Mr. Khalid Al Anzan and his Family: 1 champion, 3 medals (Silver - 1; Bronze - 2)

3. Qatar - Seven Qatari breeders have produced eleven champions.
Most of breeders are members of Qatar's ruling family, the Al Thani.

AL SHAQAB STUD. Al Shaqab tops the list of successful Qatari breeders, producing four GCAT Middle East and Europe champions with 14 medals, including eight gold.

As one of the world's largest stud farms, Al Shaqab was founded in 1992 by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. In 2004, Al Shaqab joined the Qatar Foundation (QF). Al Shaqab has gifted the world with many outstanding horses of the century, including Gazal Al Shaqab, Marwan Al Shaqab, Hariri Al Shaqab, Kahil Al Shaqab, along with many other stars.

This season, the GCAT Middle and Europe bore witness to the breathtaking ascent of the junior bay filly, Shahalel Al Shaqab. Sweeping the tour with a full set of medals — eight in total, seven of them gold — she left an indelible mark on the competition.

Al Shaqab is a very successful breeder, second only to Dubai Stud in the number of champion horses they have produced. While Al Shaqab and Ajman Stud each produced four champions, Al Shaqab won more medals overall.
In fact, Al Shaqab is only surpassed by Dubai Stud when it comes to total medals, including gold:
Dubai Stud (UAE): 12 champions, 33 medals (13 gold)
Al Shaqab Stud (Qatar): 4 champions, 14 medals (8 gold)

RAWDAT ETANIYA STUD: The stud farm is owned by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the brother of Qatar's Emir. Sheikh Jassim famously gave up his claim to the throne, dedicated himself to the global sports industry.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is a driving force behind international Arabian horse shows and is known for his impressive collection of Arabian horses, including the legendary Baanderos, a symbol of peace and unity.
This season, one of the Rawdat Etaniya's horses, the bay yearling colt Fal, won a bronze medal at the GCAT in Doha.

AL NASSER STUD: One champion (the yearling chestnut filly Ikram Al Nasser, with two bronze medals of the Tour) was born at the Al Nasser Stud, owned by Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani. The Al Nasser Stud is known for its successful breeding program, particularly of straight Egyptian Arabians, as well as International lines. Sheikh Nawaf is one of the leading breeders who has revived the traditions of the Arabian breed in the Gulf. Over the years, the Al Nasser Stud has produced numerous champions and winners, significantly contributing to the reputation of Arabian horses in Qatar and beyond.

AL SHAHANIA STUD: two champions of the Tour were born there. The Al Shahania stud is a leading Arabian horse racing operation globally, with a long history of breeding and racing Group 1 winners, including multiple Amir's Sword champions. Also the Al Shahania Stud is a succuesful member of Arabian horse show industry.

Founded in the early 1980s, by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani and remains a family-owned operation. Sheikh's young daughters support his passion and love for horses: Sheikha Yasmeen bin Mohammed Al Thani bred the very beautiful yearling filly Arabella Al Shahania (won 4 medals of the Tour - 3 golds,1 silver), Sheikha Iman bin Mohammed Al Thani bred the yearling grey colt Mistiq Al Shahania (won a gold medal in Riyyad).

AL WAJBA STUD: one champion (the junior grey filly Expectations Al Wajba, with two medals — silver and bronze of the Tour) was born at the Al Wajba Stud, owned by Sheikh Al Qaqa bin Hamad Al Thani.
Sheikh Al Qaqa is a member of Qatar's ruling family, a son of the former Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the half-brother of the current Qatar's Emir.