Rabat to host the Finals of the Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL 2026

Longines Global Champions Tour of Rabat founded by Qatar’s Years of Culture returns to Rabat

Twenty years after its creation, the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) is set to conclude its 2026 season in Rabat, which will host the season’s two finals: the GCL Final on Friday, 30 October, and the Longines Global Champions Tour Final on Sunday, 1 November.

From 30 October to 1 November 2026, Rabat will host the Longines Global Champions Tour of Rabat founded by Qatar’s Years of Culture, the final race of an international season that will see the 2026 champions of both competitions crowned.

This year’s edition holds particular significance for the circuit, which is celebrating two decades of existence. Founded in 2006 by former Dutch Olympic champion Jan Tops, the Longines Global Champions Tour was born from an ambition to take show jumping to a new international level by bringing together the world’s best riders and horses and taking the sport to some of the most iconic destinations around the globe.

Having made history in 2024 by becoming the first African city to host the LGCT, and having confirmed its place on the international calendar in 2025, Rabat is now preparing to welcome the prestigious circuit for the third consecutive year. As in previous editions, the competition will take place within an equestrian village specially designed for the occasion, on a 5.5-hectare site in the heart of Rabat, between the Hassan Tower, the Royal Theatre of Rabat and the Mohammed VI Tower.

Alongside the competitions, the three days of the event will feature a cultural programme showcasing different expressions of heritage and artistic creativity. A village of musical and artistic performances, as well as national and international equestrian shows, will complement the sporting programme.

Years of Culture is Qatar’s cultural diplomacy initiative, bringing people and nations closer through shared cultural experiences. Its support for the Longines Global Champions Tour of Rabat builds on the shared equestrian heritage of Qatar and Morocco, while sustaining the connections established during the Qatar–Morocco 2024 Year of Culture.

Two Championship Titles to be decided in Rabat

Following a season of competition around the world, the circuit’s leading teams and riders will gather in Rabat for the two decisive events of the season.

On Friday, 30 October, the GCL Final will crown the team champions of the season. Created in 2016, the GCL celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. The team competition introduced a new collective dimension to show jumping at the highest level, bringing together riders of different nationalities under the colours of teams formed for the season.

On Sunday, 1 November, the Longines Global Champions Tour Final will take centre stage, culminating in the crowning of the 2026 individual champion. Performances throughout the season will determine the final standings in this competition, which is built around consistency and performance.

Following the Rabat finals, the teams will turn their attention to the GCL Super Cup, to be contested as part of the season-ending Playoffs in Riyadh.

Morocco, home to a rich equestrian heritage and a stage for major international sporting events

The return of the LGCT to Rabat for a third consecutive year also reflects the Kingdom’s capacity to host major international sporting events and to meet the organisational requirements of top-level equestrian competitions.

This momentum is rooted in a deeply established equestrian tradition that forms an integral part of Morocco’s history and heritage. From Tbourida to the various expressions of equestrian arts, as well as the breeding and promotion of national horse breeds, the horse holds a distinctive place in the Kingdom’s culture.

Morocco also hosts several major international equestrian events each year, including the El Jadida Horse Show, the Horse Week at Dar Es-Salam and the Morocco Royal Tour. The commitment of national institutions and industry stakeholders, notably with the support of the Royal Moroccan Equestrian Sports Federation (FRMSE), has contributed to building recognised expertise in organising competitions that meet international standards.