0
The Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT), inaugurated in 2024 with 7 events, is redefining equestrian excellence while spotlighting Qatar's deep-rooted Arabian horse heritage.
With a staggering prize purse of 24.41 million € for the 2025 season - including 12.79 million € for the Europe & Middle East Season and 4.98 million € for the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme Event - and events spanning Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, GCAT is more than a competition; it's a cultural phenomenon aligning perfectly with Vision 2030's tourism and soft power goals.
At Morphus, we're highlighting how this tour monetizes tradition through integrity-driven storytelling, offering luxury brands emotional connections in MENA's $200-500M market. As the 2025 calendar unfolds, let's explore GCAT's impact.
GCAT's 2025 edition features a 13-event calendar (8 in Europe & Middle East, 5 in Americas), culminating in the brand-new World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme in Doha (December 5-6). Highlights include Ajman (January 3-6), Riyadh (April 9-12), Cannes (June 13-15), London (August 14-17), Scottsdale (February 18-20), Miami Beach (April 17-19, presented by Qatar Airways), Scottsdale (February 18-20), and Las Vegas (September 26-28). Categories include championships for top Arabian horses, with 1.05 million € allocated to classes and 360,000 € to qualifiers in past stops like Valkenswaard. Qatar Airways serves as global sponsor for Europe & Middle East events and presenting partner for Miami Beach, transforming venues into arenas of power and grace, featuring elite horses, star performances, and entertainment lineups.
This isn't just sport - it's a cutting-edge conception that's proven hugely successful, offering the highest prize money in Arabian horse showing history. From halter classes to championship series, GCAT elevates participants, with top horses and handlers earning significant rewards in finals.
Rooted in Qatar's storied equestrian culture - home to iconic venues like Al Shaqab - GCAT showcases Arabian horses as symbols of beauty, strength, and tradition. Doha hosts key stages, aligning with Vision 2030's push for cultural preservation and tourism diversification. By blending heritage with international competition, the tour promotes soft power, attracting global audiences and investments.
This cultural branding extends to luxury sectors, where Arabian horses represent elegance—perfect for events that fuse Bedouin roots with modern spectacle.
With a total of 24.41 million € in prizes for 2025 (including 4.065 million € for Europe & Middle East Overall Championship + Bonus and 1.275 million € for Americas Overall Championship + Bonus; ECAHO fees not included), GCAT injects vitality into MENA's equestrian market, part of a broader 8.7% sports growth trajectory. For brands, it's a $200-500M opportunity:
Sponsorships and activations yield emotional resonance, driving 25%+ revenue boosts in luxury and tourism.
Our Build-Position-Monetise framework captures GCAT's essence: Build platforms decoding heritage for emotional depth. Position via PR and experiential events. Monetise with insights optimizing alliances.
Client-obsessed, we craft narratives that honor integrity - let's morph your brand for this cultural gallop.
Sources: GCAT Official, Arabian Horse World, Forbes, The Arabian Magazine, Modern Luxury.
