SHOWS AND EVENTS
ABU DHABI 15-18 January
by Talitha Bakker z pictures credit and copyright by GCAT
The 2026 season of the Global Champions Arabians Tour opened in spectacular fashion in Abu Dhabi, setting an impressive tone for the international circuit ahead. Held over four days of elite competition and attended under the esteemed presence of His Highness Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the championship reaffirmed the tour’s position as the premier global stage for Arabian horse excellence. Breeders, handlers, and enthusiasts from across the world witnessed a showcase of beauty, attitude and refinement, as the first champions of the new season were crowned. With exceptional quality across all classes, Abu Dhabi did not merely host the season opener, it established a powerful benchmark for the months to come. This edition of the GCAT Abu Dhabi was evaluated by a strong international panel of judges: Hammad Alaa (Bahrain), Faraj Elyas Ebrahim (Bahrain), Hamza Ahmed (Egypt), Badrawy Mohamed Ahmed Fathy (Egypt), Bérengère Fayt (France), Nikolaus Jung (Germany), Jassim Al Mesbah (Kuwait), Mohamed Machmoum (Morocco), Christian Moschini (Italy), Renata Schibler (Switzerland), Hassanain Al-Nakeeb (United Kingdom), Caroline Reid (United Kingdom), Janice Mc Crea-Wight (United States), and Jerzy Zbyszewski (United States).
The show started on Thursday with two large classes of yearling fillies. It was an exciting battle for the top honors. For a long time, the beautiful and typey Shalwa Al Adwan (Harbi Al Adwan x Lina AT), bred by Al Adwani Stud and owned by Al Jumail Stud, held the lead with 91.29 points. Just before the end of the class, the lovely Roselynn Aldarb (Hamed Sarm x Dalola AB), bred by Mana Ali Mueidh Al Hajlan and owned by Al Asaeiel Stud, danced into the arena and scored almost perfect 20s on head and neck, as well as a high score for movement. With a total of 91.43 points, she pushed Shalwa into second place and took over the leading position. However, in the final Yearling Fillies Championship, Roselynn did not return to the podium, while Shalwa took her revenge by claiming the Silver medal. The second group of yearling fillies had one strong leader. The beautiful, ultra-typey Malikah Al Arab (ALK Retajj x Adwaa Al Arab), bred by Ali bin Muhammad bin Ali Al Ali and owned by Hleetan Qatar Stud, came, saw, and conquered. With perfect 20s for head and neck and a strong total score of 92.29 points, she not only took the lead but remained in first place until the end of the class. Later, in the final Yearling Fillies Championship, she claimed the Gold medal. Second-placed Selene Albidayer (Arjuwan Albidayer x Badeeah Albidayer),
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