The Global Champions Arabian Tour (GCAT) officially opened its 2026 season in Abu Dhabi, marking the first leg of one of the most prestigious international championships dedicated to Arabian horses.
Held in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the opening event highlighted the country’s long-standing equestrian heritage and its continued role within the global Arabian horse community.
The UAE is widely recognised for its deep-rooted equestrian traditions, where Arabian horses represent centuries of history, breeding excellence, and cultural identity. As the opening event of the 2026 season, the Abu Dhabi leg set the tone for the tour, bringing together breeders, owners, and industry leaders from around the world.
Why the Abu Dhabi Opening Matters
Opening the Global Champions Arabian Tour in Abu Dhabi carries particular significance. The city is a cultural centre where equestrian traditions continue to thrive alongside modern international events.
Hosting the first leg of the 2026 tour reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a key destination for elite equestrian competitions and global gatherings.
For the Global Champions Arabian Tour, the opening leg plays an important role in establishing the competitive and cultural direction for the entire season, drawing international attention from breeders, sponsors, and enthusiasts alike.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Among Event Sponsors
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi was among the official sponsors of the Abu Dhabi leg of the Global Champions Arabian Tour 2026.
The resort’s involvement reflects Waldorf Astoria’s engagement with the Middle East market and its association with events that celebrate heritage, excellence, and legacy.
As part of this sponsorship, SEANSES was invited to attend the event by Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, as one of the resort’s key partners in the UAE market.
The invitation provided an opportunity to experience the opening of the GCAT season firsthand and to engage with an international audience that values tradition, craftsmanship, and refined travel experience
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi: Indian Ocean Luxury at Scale
Located in the South Malé Atoll, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is one of the flagship luxury resorts in the Indian Ocean.
The resort is accessible via a 45-minute private yacht transfer from Velana International Airport, offering a seamless arrival experience directly from the airport to the island.
Set across three private islands and surrounded by a lagoon, the resort combines scale, privacy, and island beauty.
Villas and Who the Resort Is Best Suited For
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offers a broad selection of beach, reef, and overwater villas, starting from one-bedroom villas and extending up to three-bedroom residences.
Each villa is designed to provide privacy and space, with generous indoor-outdoor layouts, private pools, and direct access to the beach or lagoon.
This variety of accommodation makes the resort well suited if you are travelling as a couple seeking seclusion and comfort, as a family requiring space and flexibility, or as a group of friends looking for multi-bedroom options under one roof.
The residential feel of the villas also appeals to guests planning longer stays while still enjoying the services and facilities of a full-scale luxury resort.
Dining and Signature Experiences
The resort is home to 11 restaurants and bars, offering a diverse range of international cuisines across multiple settings. One of the standout dining venues is ZUMA Maldives, the contemporary Japanese restaurant that has become one of the most recognised culinary destinations in the Maldives.
In addition to its restaurants, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offers a selection of private dining experiences, from bespoke beach setups to curated in-villa dinners and secluded locations across the islands.
These experiences are particularly appealing if you are looking for personalised and exclusive moments during your stay, whether for a celebration, a romantic evening, or a memorable culinary experience.
Ithaafushi – The Private Island
A defining feature of the resort is Ithaafushi – The Private Island, a fully exclusive island located adjacent to the main resort while remaining entirely self-contained. Designed for complete privacy, the Private Island is available for full buyout and represents one of the most exclusive accommodation offerings in the Maldives.
The Private Island comprises a collection of large-scale villas and residences, including multi-bedroom properties accommodating up to 24 guests. Facilities include private beaches, expansive outdoor spaces, swimming pools, dedicated dining areas, and a fully personalised service model with a private team assigned to the island.
This experience is particularly well suited if you are planning a private celebration, milestone event, high-level corporate retreat, or if absolute seclusion is a priority, while still retaining access to the amenities of the main resort. The scale, layout, and buyout concept position Ithaafushi – The Private Island among the most exclusive private island experiences in the Indian Ocean.
From Arabian Heritage to Indian Ocean Escapes
The connection between the Global Champions Arabian Tour and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi reflects a shared appreciation for heritage and excellence — from the equestrian traditions of the UAE to refined island experiences in the Indian Ocean.
We thank Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi for the opportunity to attend the opening of the Global Champions Arabian Tour 2026 and to explore how global cultural events and luxury travel experiences intersect — offering inspiration for travellers planning their next journey with SEANSES.
Images courtesy of the official Global Champions Arabian Tour website and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
