AlUlA Desert Polo 2026

AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 19 January 2026: 
In just a few years, AlUla Desert Polo has become one of the most extraordinary tournaments on the international polo calendar. The 2026 edition once again impressively confirmed this status. After two days of high-class sport, impressive spectator response and a varied supporting programme, the event once again underlined AlUla’s role as a first-class destination for top-class sport, culture and international tourism.

The event took place on 16 and 17 January 2026 in the spectacular Mohammed Yousuf Naghi Equestrian Village – AlFursan. Nestled in the dramatic desert landscape of the historic AlUla region, the tournament once again provided a unique stage where world-class polo, centuries-old equestrian traditions and modern event culture come together. The tournament is named after the founding partner of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in the field of heritage and equestrian sports and exemplifies the connection between history and international top-class sport.

A gathering of the international polo scene

As in previous years, the AlUla Desert Polo brought together some of the sport’s most famous names as well as numerous personalities from politics, business and society. International polo stars, members of royal families, important patrons and guests from all over the world travelled to the Saudi desert region to experience an event that combines sporting excellence with the country’s rich equestrian heritage.

The unique backdrop and exclusive atmosphere make the tournament one of the most fascinating stops on the global polo calendar. In AlUla, traditional desert flair meets modern sporting events – a combination that captivates both players and spectators alike.

Festival atmosphere around the playing field

But the AlUla Desert Polo is much more than just a sporting event. During the two days of the tournament, a lively festival atmosphere developed around the playing field. Thousands of visitors took the opportunity to experience polo at the highest level while enjoying a varied supporting programme.

Families, international guests and polo enthusiasts were treated to live entertainment, cultural presentations and exclusive shopping opportunities. Premium hospitality areas offered spectacular views of the surrounding rock formations and the iconic landscape of AlUla. This mix of sport, entertainment and culture has contributed significantly to the event becoming a crowd puller – both for local visitors and international guests.

Dramatic finale decides the tournament

In sporting terms, the tournament also offered everything you could hope for from a top-class polo event. Team Defender secured victory, beating Team AlUla 9-8 in an exciting final.

The winning team consisted of internationally renowned players Pablo MacDonough, Jenny Luttrell and HSH Prince Eugen zu Oettingen. They faced a high-calibre Team AlUla with HRH Prince Salman bin Mansour Al Saud, David Stirling and Naveen Jindal.

The final developed into a thrilling battle that remained open until the very end, treating spectators to a dramatic conclusion to an extraordinary tournament. Team Defender’s narrow victory crowned a weekend that will be remembered as a complete success, both in terms of sport and atmosphere.

A key event in the AlUla Moments calendar

The AlUla Desert Polo is a central part of the AlUla Moments 2025/26 programme of events and plays an important role in positioning the region as an international stage for top-class sport. At the same time, the event conveys AlUla’s deep historical connection to horses and equestrian culture – a tradition that has been rooted in the region for centuries.

The tournament impressively demonstrates how these traditions can be presented in a modern and internationally oriented form. The result is an event that is both authentic and globally relevant.

Organisation and international cooperation

The tournament is organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), with the support of the Saudi Polo Federation and the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation. The sixth edition of the tournament once again provided convincing proof of the region’s organisational and infrastructural capabilities.

By successfully hosting an event of this magnitude, AlUla is underlining its position as a host for top international sporting events – not only in polo, but also in other disciplines.

Ziad Alsuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer of the Royal Commission for AlUla, said:

“AlUla Desert Polo has become a powerful expression of what AlUla stands for – a place where cultural heritage and sport come together in a truly unique setting.

The tremendous commitment we have seen again this year from players, partners and spectators demonstrates AlUla’s growing reputation as a host for world-class sport and underlines our commitment to celebrating equestrian culture in a way that resonates globally.”

Part of a diverse international sports programme

Desert Polo is just one of several major sporting events that take place in AlUla each year. The region has quickly developed into a versatile sporting destination and hosts a number of high-profile events.

These include the AlUla Tour, a professional cycling race that, after two successful editions, is now part of the UCI ProSeries. Also of international standing is the AlFursan Endurance AlUla, one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world.

In addition, the AlUla Trail Race attracts elite ultra-marathon runners and ambitious amateur athletes every year, who take on the extraordinary scenic challenges of
the region.

Year-round destination for culture, sport and experiences

In addition to sporting events, AlUla also has a strong cultural focus. Festivals such as the Ancient Kingdoms Festival and Winter at Tantora attract visitors from all over the world. There is also the renowned Maraya Classical Concert Series, which regularly features well-known regional and international artists.

Together, these events showcase the region’s ambitious vision: to establish AlUla as a year-round destination for sport, culture and extraordinary travel experiences.

For more information on events and activities in the region, visit:
experiencealula.com.