Sheikh Ali Al Thani, Bassem Mohammed and Wathnan Rider Abdel Saïd to Compete in Longines Global Champions Tour of Cairo
Mdmar – Cairo
Qatari riders Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani and Bassem Hassan Mohammed will compete alongside the world’s elite show jumpers, joined by Abdel Saïd, representing Qatar’s Wathnan Jumping Team, in the 14th stage of the 2026 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) and Global Champions League (GCL).
The Egyptian capital will host the prestigious event from 22–24 October 2026, against the spectacular backdrop of the historic Pyramids of Giza.
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All eyes are turning to Cairo as the Egyptian capital prepares to host one of the most significant stages of the season. The battle for the 2026 Longines Global Champions Tour Championship is intensifying, with an exceptional line-up of the world’s leading show jumping stars confirmed to compete.
Historic Backdrop
Set against the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cairo, established in partnership with Qatar’s Years of Culture initiative, which combines the excitement of international sport with cultural exchange, is preparing for its highly anticipated debut at this extraordinary location.
The event will bring together some of the biggest names in show jumping for a decisive showdown in the race for the Championship title.
Exceptional Significance
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With a total prize purse of €1.75 million, the competition carries exceptional significance as the world’s best riders prepare to battle for valuable Championship points ahead of the season finale in Rabat.
As a founding partner of the Cairo leg, Qatar’s Years of Culture initiative is helping to establish one of the most eagerly anticipated new destinations on the Global Champions calendar.
The collaboration celebrates Egypt’s extraordinary cultural and historical heritage while bringing riders and spectators from around the world together through their shared passion for equestrian sport.
Cairo is also looking ahead to Egypt’s participation as a partner country in the Qatar, Egypt and Greece 2027 Year of Culture programme, providing an early opportunity to celebrate the relationship between Qatar and Egypt and build anticipation for a year of creative collaboration and cultural exchange.
Thrilling Championship Battle
All eyes will be on Abdel Saïd, the Wathnan Jumping Team rider and current leader of the Championship standings, who arrives in Cairo determined to strengthen his position at the top.
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Saïd heads into the Egyptian stage with considerable confidence following his sensational victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rome.
That triumph has given him significant momentum ahead of the penultimate stage of the season, when every point could prove decisive in determining the 2026 champion.
Among his main challengers is Austrian rider Max Kühner, who remains firmly in contention for the title and will be aiming for a major result in Cairo to keep his Championship ambitions alive.
As the Championship enters its final stages, the pressure continues to mount on all contenders. Every clear round, every second and every placing could prove crucial in the title battle ahead of the season’s ultimate showdown in Rabat, scheduled from 30 October to 1 November.
Strong Egyptian and Arab Presence
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The excitement will be further heightened by a strong contingent of riders from the region, led by Egyptian stars Sameh El Dahan and Nayel Nassar, who will have the opportunity to compete on home soil at this landmark event.
Saudi Arabian rider Abdulrahman Alrajhi will also be among the participants.
For Egyptian riders, the arrival of the Longines Global Champions Tour in Cairo represents a major milestone in the development of show jumping in Egypt.
The country will host five-star international competition at one of the world’s most recognisable historical and tourist destinations, providing a remarkable opportunity to showcase the sport to a wider audience.
World-Class Stars
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Mdmar – Horse Racing and Equestrian News Website
The Cairo starting list features an exceptional collection of riders who have previously claimed Grand Prix victories on the Longines Global Champions Tour, promising three days of top-level international competition.
Among the headline names is British star Ben Maher, a two-time Longines Global Champions Tour champion, alongside Germany’s Christian Kukuk, a Longines Ambassador who secured a memorable victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of London earlier this season.
German show jumping stars Daniel Deusser and Marcus Ehning will also bring their wealth of international experience to Cairo.
Representing France, Simon Delestre, winner of the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Madrid earlier this year, will be seeking to add another major victory to his impressive 2026 campaign
*“mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
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.
