From April 17–19, Miami Beach played host to the Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT), presented by Qatar Airways. The event transformed the city’s shoreline into a striking arena where over 120 elite Arabian horses competed against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
The custom-built beachfront venue combined elegance and energy, setting the tone for a weekend beyond equestrian sport and solidifying Miami’s growing global influence in luxury culture.
“This isn’t just about horses — it’s about global luxury,” said Jorge Cunha, GCAT’s marketing director. “We knew Miami was the place to be.”
From Scottsdale to South Beach: Champions Crowned in Six Categories
The GCAT competition featured six categories judged by an international panel of experts. Among the standout winners were:
- Tasheem PMA (Senior Stallions – Royal T Arabians, USA)
- Exxaltress (Senior Mares – Orrion Farms, USA)
- STA High Voltaj (Junior Colts – Al Wajba Stud, Qatar)
- Ibitsam Aljassimya (Junior Fillies – Al Jassimya Farm, USA)
Each winner earned a path to the GCAT championship finale in Doha, scheduled for December 2025. Qatar Airways, which connects Miami directly to Doha, emphasized the tour’s international prestige and logistical synergy.
A Weekend Where Luxury Met Spectacle
Over a thousand attendees experienced a curated program blending culture, entertainment, and high-end hospitality. Guests browsed a luxury shopping village, sampled cuisine from Carbone, Sadelle’s, and ZZ’s, all under the Major Food Group umbrella, and enjoyed live dance performances against the Miami sunset.
The event’s entertainment roster was as elevated as its guest list. Sting surprised the opening night crowd with an acoustic set, while Flo Rida and DJ Khaled closed the event with a beachside concert featuring 50 synchronized dancers and a fireworks finale.
Among the VIPs in attendance were Jeff Bezos and his father, Miguel Bezos, Marc Anthony, Gulf royals, and high-net-worth families from Latin America and Europe.
Miami’s Transformation Accelerates
The GCAT’s debut arrives as Miami transforms into a global luxury capital. The city’s skyline has evolved in recent years with high-end developments like the Bentley Residences, Aston Martin Tower, and Waldorf Astoria Miami, which boast ultra-premium amenities such as car elevators and helipads. Even boutique projects like the Casa Tua-branded Mr. C Residences in Coconut Grove are attracting European investment.
“Miami is becoming the luxury entry point for the Americas,” said a representative of the airline. “It’s about lifestyle, not just logistics.”
The airline has expanded its Miami operations in response to rising demand, aligning its strategy with the city’s increasing prominence as a cultural and economic hub.
On the Heels of GCAT: Formula 1 and Beyond
Miami’s luxury momentum shows no signs of slowing. The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix returns in weeks, with VIP experiences reaching $30,000 and branded yacht parties already at capacity. It follows a growing slate of marquee events, including Art Basel, Miami Design Week, and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
Together, these touchpoints have elevated Miami from a regional destination to an international stage.
A City Arrived
With $2.7 million in prize money, a beachfront venue, and a weekend that merged equestrian sport with elite lifestyle, the GCAT’s Miami debut was more than a show; it was a declaration.
