Rabat rides high: Global Champions Tour returns to Morocco in 2025
Rabat rides high: Global Champions Tour returns to Morocco in 2025

From October 17 to 19, Rabat will once again take center stage in the world of elite equestrian sports as it hosts the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) for the second consecutive year. The return of this prestigious international event confirms Morocco’s capital as a rising star in the global show jumping scene and cements its reputation as a serious player in organizing high-profile sporting competitions.

The 2025 edition marks the 15th leg of this year’s LGCT season, bringing together the world’s top 30 ranked riders for a key showdown just ahead of the season finale in Riyadh and the high-stakes Prague Playoffs. Rabat’s inclusion in the LGCT calendar is no coincidence. It follows the success of its 2024 debut—when the city made history as the first African stop on the tour—and reflects widespread praise for the event’s impeccable organization and stunning setting. The venue, framed by architectural landmarks like the Hassan Tower, the Rabat Grand Theatre, and the soaring Mohammed VI Tower, offers a truly unique backdrop for the sport’s top talent.

In 2024, the Moroccan leg drew an impressive crowd of 6,500 spectators over three days, with a peak audience of 2,500 on the final day. The event struck a perfect balance between world-class competition and cultural showcase. LGCT founder and Olympic gold medalist Jan Tops applauded the “passion of Moroccan fans” and called the setting “unlike any other on the circuit.”

This year, the stakes are even higher. Coming after major stops like London, New York, and Doha, the Rabat event is a crucial opportunity for riders to collect valuable points in both individual and team competitions—held under the Global Champions League banner. Beyond the sport itself, attendees will enjoy a vibrant program of entertainment, including themed exhibits, live music, art performances, and equestrian displays blending Moroccan tradition with international flair.

Morocco, a country with centuries-old equestrian heritage, is asserting itself as a must-visit destination for the sport’s biggest international events. From the traditional Tbourida exhibitions to the breeding of Barbs and Arab-Barbs, the Kingdom’s connection to horses runs deep. That bond is now reinforced by national investment, a strong institutional network, and a growing lineup of events such as the Morocco Royal Tour and the El Jadida Horse Show.

Backed by the Royal Moroccan Federation for Equestrian Sports and a coalition of dedicated partners, Morocco’s ambition is clear: to become a global leader in the equestrian world. By combining competitive excellence, cultural depth, and top-tier organization, Rabat is well on its way to becoming a fixture on the international equestrian map.