A legacy that began with culture and now thrives through sport 

20 October 2025 – Doha, Qatar: The return of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) to Rabat this weekend built on the bond forged during the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, a year that united both nations through shared heritage, creativity, and a pursuit of excellence. What began as a cultural exchange has evolved into a lasting dialogue, now expressed through the universal language of sport.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer Al-Thani, Qatari Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, said: “The Years of Culture initiative was never about a single moment, but about creating exchanges that continue to live on. Seeing that spirit carried forward through the Longines Global Champions Tour reminds us how sport can keep cultural connections alive long after the official celebrations end. Every rider who competes in Rabat this year adds a new chapter to the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture story.”

Building on the resounding success of its 2024 debut — the first LGCT stage ever held in Africa — the Tour once again transformed Morocco’s capital into a global meeting point for the world’s best riders. From 17 to 19 October, the Rabat arena came alive with the same excitement and unity that defined its inaugural edition.

Jan Tops, Founder and President of the Longines Global Champions Tour, said:
“Returning to Rabat was about celebrating a shared vision between nations that believe in excellence, respect, and cultural exchange. What began as a collaboration under the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture has grown into an enduring connection, reminding us that horses have long been a bridge between people, traditions, and continents. This partnership continues to show how sport can strengthen those bonds and inspire future generations.”

This year’s event marked the 15th leg of the 2025 Tour, held just before the Riyadh finale. The world’s top 30 riders competed in one of the most striking venues on the circuit, framed by the Hassan Tower, the Rabat Grand Theatre, and the Mohammed VI Tower, landmarks that embody the city’s harmony between tradition and modernity. The previous edition drew more than 6,500 spectators, celebrating Morocco’s deep equestrian heritage and the shared pride both nations hold for the horse as a symbol of beauty, grace, and endurance.

The return of the Longines Global Champions Tour to Rabat united the world’s elite riders and reaffirmed a friendship that began through culture and now continues to flourish through sport.