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In Rabat, the Moroccan Arabian horse once again took center stage, showcasing its elegance and prestige over the course of a weekend. The Prince Moulay El Hassan National Horse Institute in Dar Essalam played host to the Moroccan leg of the Emirates Arabian Horse Global Cup 2026 on May 9 and 10. This event marked the sole African stop in a global circuit celebrating the Arabian Thoroughbred.
At the Morocco Breeders Show, the atmosphere was vibrant as breeders, enthusiasts, and families gathered around the paddocks. Horses from various regions across the kingdom graced the track. This year's edition saw the participation of 179 horses from 50 breeders, reflecting a 20% rise in breeder participation compared to 2025. Organizers view this as an indication of the growing interest in show competitions and a broader commitment to enhancing Moroccan Arabian horse breeding.
The event drew several notable figures from Morocco and the UAE, including the United Arab Emirates ambassador to Morocco, Al-Asri Saeed Ahmed Al-Dhaheri, and the director general of the Emirates Arabian Horse Society (EAHS), Mohamed Ahmad Al Harbi. Co-organized by the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Horse (SOREC), the EAHS, and the Royal Moroccan Association of Purebred Arabian Horse Breeders (ARMECPSA), the event solidified Rabat's status on the international Arabian horse competition calendar.
Over the two days, an international jury evaluated the participating horses based on classic equine beauty contest criteria: morphology, gait, movement, and head expression. The competition culminated in six championships, highlighting the dedication and skill of Moroccan breeders in selecting and preparing their horses.
Beyond the competition, the organizers aimed to elevate the event's profile as part of a broader outreach strategy. Two Emirati channels broadcasted the event live, providing international exposure to the Moroccan stage and, by extension, to the Arabian horses bred in Morocco.
«This edition has fully confirmed the positive momentum experienced by Moroccan Arabian horse breeding», stated Omar Skalli, director general of SOREC. He highlighted the particular focus on supporting small and medium breeders, which SOREC identifies as a cornerstone of its development strategy for the sector.
The ambitions of the organizers extended beyond the sporting competition. A children's village, craft stalls, and entertainment transformed the event into a family-friendly cultural gathering, offering the general public a glimpse into a world traditionally reserved for professionals and insiders.
Following Rabat, the Emirates Arabian Horse Global Cup circuit will continue its 2026 journey to other host countries. For Moroccan breeders, however, this local stage served as a vital showcase, highlighting a sector eager to establish its expertise on the international stage of Arabian horse events.
