As a result of the continued collaboration and partnership between Richard Mille, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) the Saudi Polo Federation (SPF), Richard Mille is delighted to present the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, the first modern polo tournament in the world to be staged in the desert. Taking place on 11 – 12 February, the iconic event will bring together polo patrons and professionals from around the world who will partake in an exhilarating global event that celebrates the highest levels of talent, sportsmanship, and dedication in the international polo community.
Organised by RCU in partnership with the SPF and Richard Mille, the event marks the second season of the enthralling two-day tournament, which was first introduced by RCU in 2020. An avid supporter of the prestigious sport and the development of polo in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Richard Mille played a pivotal role in the inaugural season of the Desert Polo tournament as the official Timekeeper of the event.
Sharing a unified vision with RCU and SPF to establish the historic city as a premier destination for polo enthusiasts worldwide, Richard Mille has deepened its involvement with the pioneering tournament as Title Sponsor and Timekeeper. As a result, the high-profile annual event will now be known as the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo.
Pablo Mac Donough, one of the world’s greatest polo players, will be playing in the tournament alongside his teammates Adolfo Cambiaso, Pelon Stirling and Juan Martin Nero in a specially built arena close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra. A member of the Richard Mille family and partner of the brand since 2011, the 10-goal polo icon will wear his RM 53-01 Tourbillon Pablo Mac Donough throughout the entirety of the tournament as he leads one of four teams through the action-packed games of the tournament. Comprising of invited guests and patrons, each of the four competing teams will showcase the precision, speed and teamwork demanded by the ‘King of Sports’ as they compete for the chance to win the first-ever Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Trophy.
“The 2020 tournament was a milestone event for both Richard Mille and the Saudi Polo Federation. Hence, we wanted to deepen our involvement this year as we are committed to supporting the development of the sport in Saudi Arabia. This year’s event is certain to be nothing short of remarkable as we will have the chance to witness some of the best polo players in the world in action as they compete against the iconic backdrop of the AlUla terrain. It is an exciting moment for the global polo community. I’m looking forward to watching the games and seeing who will win the first-ever Richard Mille AlUla Desert Trophy,” commented Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA.
“We are incredibly honoured to have this partnership with Richard Mille for yet another season of AlUla Desert Polo. As a global supporter of this powerful sport, it’s a perfect match as two iconic master pieces meet between progress and tradition. I also look forward to welcoming back Richard Mille partner, Pablo Mac Donough who will be returning to AlUla to lead the Richard Mille Polo team in our tournament. I am sure he will inspire many of our young Saudi players as the great role model he is.” Commented Amr Zedan, President of the Saudi Arabia Polo Federation.
About Winter at Tantora
Winter at Tantora festival is considered as the Kingdom’s first-ever music and cultural festival. This year, it will run from 21 December 2021 to 12 February 2022. It will offer both international and local visitors an exciting six weeks of music, cultural events and equestrian events. Winter at Tantora is the first part of AlUla Moments festivals which include three other distinguished festivals of AlUla Arts festival, AlUla Skies, and AlUla Wellness festival.
About Saudi Polo Federation
The Saudi Polo Federation (SPF) was established in July 2018 as a means of developing the sport across the Kingdom and establishing international best practice from grass roots to elite levels. Aligned with key government stakeholders such as the Ministry of Sports, the SPF works to further establish Saudi polo in a global context, continuing the work already undertaken by Saudi’s private polo patrons on the international stage.
Chaired by renowned Saudi polo player and businessman, Amr Zedan, the SPF seeks to encourage the sport among young Saudi men and women in accordance with the goals set out in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, while reflecting the transformational journey taking place in Saudi Arabia.
