MUSCAT:
Marvellous in Muscat
The Sultanate of Oman once again confirmed its growing reputation as a premier destination for international sporting events after successfully hosting a spectacular stage of the Global Champions Arabians Tour at the St Regis Muscat in Al Mouj from March 31 to April 2, 2026.
The Muscat leg, the third stage of the prestigious global series, delivered a remarkable showcase of the elegance, beauty and heritage of Arabian horses, attracting elite participants and enthusiasts from around the world. The event highlighted Oman’s deep-rooted connection with Arabian horses, which remain a proud symbol of the nation’s history and equestrian tradition.
Despite a brief postponement, the competitions proceeded smoothly and at a high technical level, featuring strong participation across multiple categories, including yearlings, juniors and senior championships. The Muscat stage lived up to expectations, offering intense competition among some of the finest Arabian horses globally. The success of the event reflects Oman’s continued commitment to hosting world-class sporting competitions. Since its debut in Muscat in 2024, the tour has grown steadily, with the 2026 edition marking the third consecutive year of hosting.
PLATFORM FOR EXCELLENCE
Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth, praised the successful organisation of the event and its wider impact. “Hosting the Global Champions Arabians Tour in Muscat carried an important economic and tourism objectives. We thanked the organisers including: Oman Equestrian & Racing Federation and all sponsors for their efforts, and we look forward to hosting more international events in the future.” he said.
Mohammed bin Issa al Fayrouz, President of the International Tent Pegging Federation (ITPF), described the tour as one of the leading global equestrian competitions. “The Muscat stage was very attractive and well organised. Arabian horses have a special place worldwide and such events help promote their heritage and value.” he noted.
Meanwhile, Abdulrazaq al Shahwarzi, Vice-Chairman of the Oman Equestrian & Racing Federation, highlighted the importance of the event in developing local participation. “This is one of the most beautiful Arabian horse shows. The level of competition was very high, and although Omani participation is still developing, we are confident of better results in the coming years,”. he said.
STRONG INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
The event witnessed strong dominance from horses representing the UAE and Qatar, with top performances across various categories. Notable winners included AJ Fayed in the Yearling Colts Championship, while Al Aryam Harbah secured gold in the Junior Fillies category. In the senior divisions, D Najlaa claimed gold in the mares category, while D Shahar topped the stallions category, underlining the high standards of breeding and competition on display.
Abdulaziz al Marzouqi, Executive Director of Dubai Stud, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance. “Our results reflect the quality and progress of our breeding programme. Winning two gold medals and one silver is a strong achievement at this level.” he said.
COMPLETE EXPERIENCE
Beyond the competitions, the event also featured a vibrant shopping village and family entertainment activities, offering a complete cultural and sporting experience for visitors and reinforcing Oman’s appeal as a tourism destination. The Muscat stage is considered a key stop in the 2026 GCAT calendar, combining elite competition with cultural celebration. Following Oman, the tour will continue in Kuwait later this month, before heading to Europe with stages in the Netherlands, Monaco, Poland and Italy.
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