Longines Global Champions Tour Expands Partnership with Years of Culture Across Mexico, Cairo and Rabat
Mdmar – Doha – Mexico – LGCT
The Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) has announced the expansion of its partnership with Qatar’s Years of Culture initiative, deepening the connection between world-class sport and international cultural exchange across three landmark destinations in the 2026 season: Mexico City, Cairo, and Rabat.
The expanded collaboration builds on the success of the partnership first launched in Rabat in 2024 as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, and now enters a new phase with a stronger international footprint.
A key highlight of the 2026 partnership will be Mexico City, where the Longines Global Champions Tour returns to the iconic Campo Marte from 16-19 April. Set against the backdrop of Chapultepec Park, Campo Marte has become one of the most atmospheric stops on the global equestrian calendar, known for its passionate crowds, lively Mexican spirit, and unique blend of elite sport and cultural celebration.
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The Mexico City event will form a key moment within the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture, using equestrian sport as a platform for people-to-people exchange and cross-cultural storytelling. The partnership will spotlight Mexico’s deep equestrian heritage, creative energy, and global cultural influence, while further strengthening ties between Qatar and Mexico through shared experiences.
Representing the Doha Falcons GCL team this week in Mexico City is a dynamic trio combining experience and rising talent, with Jessica Mendoza, Sanne Thijssen, and Nathan Budd set to take on the iconic Campo Marte arena. With a strong blend of consistency and competitive edge, the Doha Falcons will be ones to watch as they aim to make their mark in front of the passionate Mexican crowd at the second stage of the season.
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His Excellency Mohammed Al Kuwari, Years of Culture Advisor on Latin America, said: “The expansion of this partnership reflects the spirit at the heart of Years of Culture, building lasting connections between nations through shared experiences. Mexico City is a particularly important chapter in this journey, bringing together sport, culture, and community in one of the world’s most dynamic capitals.”
President and Founder of the Longines Global Champions Tour Jan Tops said: “Announcing this expanded partnership as we arrive in Mexico City marks an exciting moment in our 2026 season. Following the success of Rabat, we are proud to grow this collaboration across multiple global destinations, bringing together world-class sport and cultural exchange in a way that truly resonates with our global audience. Celebrating the unique blend of top sport, culture, and global connection is what defines the Longines Global Champions Tour so the partnership with Years of Culture is a natural fit.”
The partnership will also return to Rabat, where the initial collaboration set a new benchmark for integrating cultural diplomacy within elite equestrian sport. In Cairo, one of the most anticipated new destinations on the tour’s 2026 calendar, Years of Culture will further amplify the event’s global significance, showcasing Egypt’s deep history and cultural legacy on an international stage.
By spanning three major international cities, the collaboration reflects a shared vision between LGCT and Years of Culture to go beyond competition, creating platforms that unite communities, celebrate heritage, and foster lasting global connections through sport.
About Years of Culture
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The Years of Culture initiative, chaired by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, spearheads long-lasting cultural partnerships between Qatar and other nations. It exists to promote respect and understanding among diverse cultures and serves as a catalyst for bringing people together, nurturing connections, encouraging dialogue, and deepening understanding. At its core, Years of Culture is a portal for making connections across various sectors, including cultural heritage, creative industries, social and economic development, and innovation, which enriches Qatar’s ties with partner countries beyond the dedicated year.
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Each year is organised with support from Qatar and partner countries’ cultural institutions, ministries, foundations, and private and public sector partners, with assistance from Embassies in Qatar and abroad. Programmes are tailored to explore the unique nature of each partner country.
Previous Years of Culture have included: Qatar-Japan 2012, Qatar-UK 2013, Qatar-Brazil 2014, Qatar-Türkiye 2015, Qatar-China 2016, Qatar-Germany 2017, Qatar-Russia 2018, Qatar-India 2019, Qatar-France 2020, Qatar-USA 2021, Qatar-MENASA 2022, Qatar-Indonesia 2023, Qatar-Morocco 2024, and Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025.
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The “Mdmar” website which was Founded by Khaled Makhlouf in 2007 for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
