Saudi Polo Federation

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Saudia Captures Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Tournament; Melissa Ganzi Named Top Female Player

22. January 2024

AlUlA, Saudi Arabia, January 21, 2024: In a picturesque setting, Saudia won the highly-anticipated championship final of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Tournament Saturday at Al-Fursan Equestrian Village.

Saudia (Melissa Ganzi, Sayyu Dantata, Adolfo Cambiaso) defeated Richard Mille (Yoanna Hanbury, David Paradice, Pablo MacDonough), 9-5, in front of a packed house of dignitaries, celebrities and fans.

Following their victory, Saudia celebrated with the prestigious Desert Polo trophy presented to them by Abeer Al Akel, Acting CEO, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and Amr Zidan, Chairman, Saudi Polo Federation (SPF).

Ganzi, who made history in 2022 as the first international woman to compete in the tournament, became the first woman to win the prestigious tournament. She was also named Top Female Player. „Being the first woman to play here in 2022 was special but it was even more special to be the first woman to win.

„It was amazing to play with Adolfo. It was special. He is such a great teammate as is Sayyu Dantata. This was an incredible magical spectacular tournament. I was honored to be invited to play.“

In addition to Ganzi‘s honor, other post-final awards were Dantata (Men’s Best Player) and Cambiaso (Top Scorer). There were also awards for Pablo MacDonough (Best Goal), HRH Prince Hamza bin Abbas (Most Promising Player) and Yohanna Hanbury (Sportsmanship). The Best Playing Pony awards went to Dolfina Absoleta and Dolfina Shayla.

In the opening round, Saudia defeated SAB, 8-5 and in the semifinals, Dadan 8-4.

Ganzi‘s husband Marc surprised his wife flying in for the final.

„It‘s a great moment for her, she works really hard at not only being a polo player, but being an ambassador for the sport on a global basis,“ Ganzi said. „She has introduced so many people to polo and making it accessible to women and children. So for her this is her passion. When someone‘s passion is executed it‘s a beautiful thing to see. So I‘m real happy for her.“

The third edition of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, the one-of-its-kind organized polo tournament played in a desert, featured a star-studded lineup. Eight teams, double the number from 2022, featured some of the world‘s top players including the 26-goal World Polo League‘s Pablo MacDonough and Juan Martin Nero, was held in a purpose-built desert arena in the Equestrian Village.

The eight teams, featuring a record 24 players from 12 countries, were AlUla, Richard Mille, Saudia, SAB, Bentley, Dadan, Kaybar and Tayma. AlUla finished third and Tayma was fourth.

Top women‘s players Nina Clarkin of Great Britain and Lia Salvo of Argentina gave a ladies polo clinic to promote polo for women in Saudi Arabia. In 2022, Ganzi was the only woman playing in the tournament. This year there were seven.

The four-day desert tournament was a collaboration between the Saudi Polo Federation, Royal Commission for AlUla, title sponsor and tournament timekeeper Richard Mille and La Dolfina Polo Team. The tournament is a part of the commission’s commitment to promote the country’s heritage, culture and arts in addition to its equestrian commitment to reinforce Saudi Arabia‘s historic ties to its horsemanship heritage. The tournament was also held in 2020 and 2022.

„We are incredibly proud to have hosted the third edition of Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, it was a brilliant occasion for everyone connected,“ said Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). „The on-field competition was magnificent and players, visitors, and media alike really enjoyed a unique experience, one exclusive to AlUla that can’t be found elsewhere on the international polo circuit.

„We are working towards Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo being a world-class competition that people travel to from all over the world. It’s true that we’re in the early stages of this endeavor. However, we’ve reached our development targets to date.

„Improvements were made to the competition, arena, and entire set-up this time around, and we have big ambitions for the future. We are committed to bringing more of the best players and teams to compete while increasing interest, attendance, media coverage and international exposure. We are growing the sport in AlUla and this competition is central to our efforts and progress.“

Throughout the tournament, luxury hospitality and live entertainment with local musicians honored Arabian culture and heritage for the complete desert polo experience.

Faisal Bin Dowees, CEO of SPF, said the strong audience attendance was instrumental to the tournament’s success, pointing out the local community’s enduring relationship with equestrian sports dating back thousands of years.

„Polo has remained firmly embedded in the hearts and minds of the Saudi population,“ he said. „Interest in the sport is as high as ever and we are looking forward to presenting more opportunities four our people to participate and compete in the near future.“

In 2022 AlUla won. AlUla (HRH Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Salman, Mohammed Al Habtoor, Adolfo Cambiaso) rallied from a three-goal deficit to defeat Richard Mille (Noor Abu Khadra, Melissa Ganzi, Pablo MacDonough), 5-4.

Ganzi will finish her overseas competition at the Jan. 26-28 39th Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz along with her son Grant and husband Marc. Melissa Ganzi will play with Adrian Laplacette Jr., Alejandro Novillo Astrada and her son on Team World Polo League. Marc Ganzi will play with Santos Bollini, Martin Jauregui and Freddie Mannix on Team Flexjet. Ganzi finished runner-up with her Bentley teammates Martin Jauregui and Alejandro Novillo Astrada in the 21st Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbuehel in Austria earlier this month.

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions Polo Club, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, hosts a wide range of tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, GCPC Polo School Women‘s Weekly Polo League, WCT Finals, several PTF junior tournaments, World Polo League, World Polo League Pride and Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

The season‘s biggest highlight is the sixth season of the World Polo League, the only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina, featuring some of the world‘s top players including 10-goalers Pablo MacDonough, Jeta Castagnola and Juan Martin Nero, former 10-goaler Gonzalito Pieres, Alejandro Novillo Astrada and hometown favorite Nic Roldan, the second highest ranked American player at 8 goals. The WPL filled the void created when the U.S. Polo Association, the sport‘s governing body, announced it was lowering high goal polo to 18-22 goals and would not have 26-goal polo.

Other high goal season highlights are the Feb. 1-11 Sterling Cup (20 goals), Feb. 1-March 31 USPA Butler Handicap (18-22 goals), Feb. 7-24 $100,000 World Cup (0-40 goals) and Feb. 27-March 10 Santa Rita Abierto (20 goals).

Other January tournaments are the Metropolitan 6 Goal Cup, Aspen Valley 8-Goal and Limited Edition 12-Goal Series. The GCPC Women‘s Weekly Women‘s Polo League also gets under way Jan. 24 and runs through April. It is the longest running women‘s league in the world.

Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation and short work arena. The club has 11 well-manicured world-class fields at GCPC and Santa Rita.

The winter season will be live-streamed on Wellington-based CTV Sports. Grand Champions is the only USPA club live streaming all of its tournaments.

Grand Champions Polo Club caters to men, women and youth polo players at all levels. Its‘ expert staff can customize a complete playing experience including horses, pros and certified umpires in addition to lessons and practice sessions as part of its‘ Polo On Demand program.

The Polo School, now located at the former Pony Express facility, operates in Wellington January through May and September through November. The stand-alone USPA-sanctioned polo club is dedicated to teaching polo to all ages, particularly grass roots youth. Its mission is to provide individuals opportunities in polo at every economic and ability level. The Polo School has nurtured several junior, men and women polo players now playing in the pro and amateur ranks since its inception.

For more information on leagues or Polo School contact Director of Operations Juan Bollini at 561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Alexander Sherwin and Saudi Polo Federation

Polo News

‘Magnificent’ 2024 Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Lays New Foundations for Future Growth & Development

22. January 2024

– Fabulous four-day third edition concluded yesterday as team Saudi claimed Desert Polo trophy

– Event provided unique experience for everyone involved

AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 21 January 2024: The latest chapter in AlUla’s sporting history reached a fabulous conclusion yesterday as the 2024 Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo came to a close on its fourth and final day.

After four days of elite competition featuring international patrons, royal dignitaries, and the world’s best players, celebrity audiences and sports fans enjoyed a grandstand finish at AlFursan Equestrian Village.

Team Saudia won the Desert Polo trophy as Sayuu Dantana, Melissa Ganzi, and polo GOAT Adolfo Cambiaso overcame opponents Richard Mille 9-5 in the main final with AlUla and Tamya finishing third and fourth, respectively.

With this year’s third edition officially over, the tournament has been hailed as ‘magnificent’ and a ‘unique experience’ for all involved. Following a highly anticipated build-up, it lived up to its billing as the ‘biggest and best yet’, laying new foundations for further development, growth, and popularity in the years ahead.

“We’re incredibly proud to have hosted the third edition of Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo – it was a brilliant occasion for everyone connected,” said Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). “The on-field competition was magnificent and players, visitors, and media alike really enjoyed a unique experience – one exclusive to AlUla that can’t be found elsewhere else on the international polo circuit.”

A testament to the evolution of Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo and its expanding profile and appeal, this year saw the tournament welcome eight teams (AlUla, Richard Mille, Saudia, SAB, Bentley, Dadan, Kaybar and Tayma) – double the number from 2022.

Additionally, a record 24 players from 12 countries competed against the stunning backdrop of the AlUla Desert. For AlSuhaibani, these statistics highlight that the direction of travel is positive.

“We’re working towards Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo being a world-class competition that people travel to from all over the world,” he continued. “It’s true that we’re in the early stages of this endeavor. However, we’ve reached our development targets to date.

“Improvements were made to the competition, arena, and entire set-up this time around – and we have big ambitions for the future. We’re committed to bringing more of the best players and teams to compete while increasing interest, attendance, media coverage, and international exposure. We’re growing the sport in AlUla and this competition is central to our efforts and progress.”

Besides the likes of Cambiaso, Juan Martin Nero, Pablo Mac Donough, Nina Clarkin, and Lia Salvo presenting elite competition, horsemanship, and sporting moments on the pitch, audiences were treated to a series of offerings inside the venue.

Luxury hospitality and live entertainment with local musicians honored Arabian culture and heritage throughout to complement the desert polo experience.

Like always, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo was held in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation (SPF), the organisation dedicated to promoting, developing, and regulating polo and equestrian sports across the Kingdom.

Following their victory, Team Saudia celebrated with the prestigious Desert Polo trophy presented to them by Abeer Al Akel, Acting CEO, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), and Amr Zidan, Chairman, Saudi Polo Federation (SPF). Amr Zidan was present alongsinde Faisal Bin Dowees, CEO of SPF throughts the four days of the event.

Commenting on this year’s event, Bin Dowees touched on its community impact and historical significance. “The tournament has been very well received by a local community whose historic ties with horsemanship and heritage sports date back thousands of years,” he said.

“Throughout this time, polo and equestrianism have remained immensely popular and looking to the future, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo is sure to be a catalyst for inspiring up-and-coming generations to participate and compete.”

Another catalyst for increased participation and competition moving forward will be the long-term partnership between RCU and La Dolfina, the one of the world’s most successful polo teams. Founded by Cambiaso, La Dolfina is working with RCU to position AlUla as a regional hub for equestrian activities, as well as destination for global horse enthusiasts.

While audiences have bid Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo a fond farewell, there’s more sport to look forward to in AlUla in the coming weeks, with the revamped AlUla Tour welcomes the biggest names in professional cycling from January 30 – February 3 and The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup returns February 10 & 11.

For more information, kindly visit experiencealula.com

© Caroline Bucher

– Fabulous four-day third edition concluded yesterday as team Saudi claimed Desert Polo trophy – Event provided unique experience for everyone involved AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 21 January 2024: The…

Instagram, Polo News

Team Saudia Crowned 2024 Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Champions

22. January 2024

– Saudia’s Adolfo Cambiaso, Sayuu Dantana, and Melissa Ganzi sealed victory with a 9-5 against Richard Mille in thrilling final

AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 20 January 2024: Team Saudia was crowned the 2024 Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo champions at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla this afternoon, overcoming Richard Mille 9-5 in a thrilling final to win the prestigious tournament.

Following their victory, Saudia’s Adolfo Cambiaso, Sayuu Dantana, and Melissa Ganzi celebrated with the prestigious Desert Polo trophy presented to them by Abeer Al Akel, Acting CEO, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), and Amr Zidan, Chairman, Saudi Polo Federation (SPF).

Set against the AlUla Desert’s stunning backdrop, the fourth and final day of this year’s edition also featured the subsidiary final, where AlUla claimed third place with a 5-3 win against Tayma.

With four days of action-packed matches starring 24 players and eight teams, the 2024 Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo witnessed a highlight reel of majestic performances and magical moments worthy of recognition.

The post-final presentation ceremony saw awards given to each of Saudia’s trio – Dantana (Men’s Best Player), Ganzi (Women’s Best Player), and Cambiaso (Top Scorer). There were also awards for Pablo Mac Donough (Best Goal), HRH Prince Hamza bin Abbas (Most Promising Player), and Johanna Hanbury (Sportsmanship).

Faisal Bin Dowees, CEO of SPF, said that strong audience attendance was instrumental to the tournament’s success, pointing out the local community’s enduring relationship with equestrian sports dating back thousands of years.

“Polo has remained firmly embedded in the hearts and minds of the Saudi population,” he said. “Interest in the sport is as high as ever and we’re looking forward to presenting more opportunities four our people to participate and compete in the near future.”

Bin Dowees also extended his thanks and appreciation to both His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports & Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and SPF Chairman, Amr Zidan.

For his part, Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer, RCU, added: “We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners and friends at the Saudi Polo Federation for their unwavering support and invaluable contributions throughout this week – both of which played a pivotal role in the tournament delivering an outstanding spectacle. We also want to reserve special thanks to the talented players, official sponsors, and enthusiastic audiences whose collective efforts ensured our third edition brought memories that will last forever.”

For more information kindly visit experiencealula.com

© Caroline Bucher

– Saudia’s Adolfo Cambiaso, Sayuu Dantana, and Melissa Ganzi sealed victory with a 9-5 against Richard Mille in thrilling final AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 20 January 2024: Team Saudia was…

Polo News

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo: Thrilling Climax Awaits Today After Sensational Semi-Final Showdowns

22. January 2024

– 2024 tournament set for grandstand finish this afternoon

– Saudia to face Richard Mille for Desert Polo trophy in main final

– Subsidiary final sees AlUla vs Tayma

– Last few tickets on sale through experiencealula.com

AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 20 January 2024: Sports fans and celebrity audiences are gearing up for a grandstand finish at the 2024 Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo following sensational semi-final action at AlFursan Equestrian Village yesterday.

Against the breathtaking backdrop of the AlUla desert, sporting excellence was on full display once again as eight teams clashed in main and subsidiary elimination encounters.

The penultimate day of this year’s fabulous third edition decided the line-ups for today’s finale – where Saudia face Richard Mille in a main final meeting for the Desert Polo trophy. Polo legend Adolfo Cambiaso starred for Saudia in an 8-4 win against Dadan while Richard Mille scored with two seconds remaining to overcome Bentley 5-4.

Attendees also enjoyed high-quality matches in the subsidiary semi-finals. Yesterday’s proceedings began with a gripping end-to-end contest as AlUla claimed a 7-6 win against SAB with the deciding goal coming in the last minute of the fourth chukka.

Awaiting AlUla in the Saturday subsidiary final is Tayma. Visitors were treated to another classic in the desert as Tayma edged out Khaybar 6-5.

With the semi-finals now concluded, the stage is set for a thrilling climax this afternoon. Both finals are sure to present exhilarating encounters and marvelous displays of horsemanship, skill, and elite competition as professional players, international patrons, and royal dignitaries battle it out for victory.

In partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation (SPF), Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo has become a beacon of sporting magnificence since its inception in 2020, blending the heritage of polo with the allure of AlUla’s majestic landscape. With each galloping stride, the tournament continues redefining excellence in equestrian sports as a major event in the international equestrian calendar.

For more information and to book tickets, kindly visit experiencealula.com

© Caroline Bucher

– 2024 tournament set for grandstand finish this afternoon – Saudia to face Richard Mille for Desert Polo trophy in main final – Subsidiary final sees AlUla vs Tayma –…

Asia, Polo News

Richard Mille announces title sponsorship of AlUla Desert Polo Tournament

10. February 2022

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.

www.richardmille.com

Photos by Royal Commission of AlUla

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Asia, Polo News

Team Amaala under Nacho Figueras Take 7-3 Victory in AlUla Desert Polo from Cambiaso’s Team AlUla

20. January 2020

Nacho Figueras led Team Amaala to a 7-3 Grand Final victory in the two-day AlUla Desert Polo tournament on Saturday against Team AlUla to take Saudi Arabia’s first official polo title – 2020 AluUla Desert Polo Champions.

The tournament was staged in the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of AlUla and organised through a partnership of the Royal Commission for AlUla and the newly formed Saudi Polo Federation.

Forming part of the Winter at Tantora festival, running from December 19, 2019 to March 7, 2020, AlUla Desert Polo is one of 12 weekends of cultural and sporting activities taking place in the ancient site.

Players from all over the world took to the Desert Polo Arena, including team members of the world famous La Dolfina polo outfit from Argentina including ten goalers Adolfo Cambiaso, Pelon Stirling and Pablo Mac Donough as well as six goal player and the face of Ralph Lauren Black, Nacho Figueras.

The specially built Desert Polo Arena, was situated in the heart of AlUla, an area of historical, cultural and archeological significance and surrounded by towering sandstone outcrops, framing the on-pitch action for the assembled VIP guests.

The third-place playoff was won by Team Al Nahla Bentley with HRH Sheikha Alya Al Maktoum scoring three of the side’s four goals and earning Most Valuable Player, for a 4-2 victory over Richard Mille.

Figueras, who was part of the winning Team Amaala said: “It’s an amazing place with an amazing history, an amazing heritage and an amazing first tournament for the Saudi Polo Federation. I’m very honoured to be here and I’m delighted that we were able to win.

“This country is going through a transformation and there are amazing years to come.”

Saudi Polo Federation chairman, Amr F Zedan, who played on Team Richard Mille during the tournament said: “I see this event as a launching pad for the future. We have big plans for polo in Saudi Arabia that include the establishment of development programmes and the construction of facilities to assist in building a polo infrastructure in The Kingdom.

“We would like to thank all of our guests and players and crucially sponsors for their support here this weekend. It means a lot that our friends from the international polo community are completely on board with what we are trying to achieve.”

Ranking:

1. Amaala
1. HSH Prince Carl von Oettingen-Wallerstein
2. George Spencer Churchill
3. Nacho Figueras

2. AlUla Team
1. HRH Prince Abbas bin Ali Bin Nayef
2. Mohammad Al Habtoor
3. Adolfo Cambiaso

3. Al Nahla Bentley
1. Sheikha Alya Al Maktoum
2. Saad Audeh
3. Pelon Stirling

4. Richard Mille
1. HRH Prince Sultan Alfaisal
2. Amr Zedan
3. Pablo Mac Donough

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Nacho Figueras led Team Amaala to a 7-3 Grand Final victory in the two-day AlUla Desert Polo tournament on Saturday against Team AlUla to take Saudi Arabia’s first official polo…

Asia, Polo News

La Dolfina Polo Stars Arrive in World Heritage Site AlUla Ahead of Inaugural Desert Polo

17. January 2020

Argentine Greats Cambiaso, Mac Donough, Stirling & Nero Highlight New World First

AlUla Desert Polo, the first polo event to be organised by the new Saudi Polo Federation, gets underway tomorrow (Friday) at the specially built Desert Arena in the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site of AlUla.

With players from the famous Argentinian side La Dolfina taking to the sands, AlUla Desert Polo, a world first, promises to be a thrilling spectacle in one of the most unique locations ever to host the Game of Kings.

Part of the Winter at Tantora festival, organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla and staged in northwestern Saudi Arabia, AlUla boasts a spectacular landscape of giant red-tinged sandstone outcrops. Set against this awesome backdrop, ten-goal players Adolfo Cambiaso, Pelon Stirling, Juan Martín Nero and Pablo Mac Donough will take to the field alongside talented and high profile amateur players as they bid for the very first AlUla Desert Polo Champions title.

Adolfo Cambiaso, who enjoyed a leisurely hit around at the ancient site of Hegra with his teammates on Wednesday said: “This location is simply breathtaking. Polo has taken me all over the world but this is the first time I’ve been given the opportunity to play at a world heritage site.

“This is an important event in Saudi Arabia’s sporting history and I hope that young people in Saudi Arabia will take a look at AlUla Desert Polo and want to get involved in the sport.”

Saudi Polo Federation chairman, Amr F Zedan, who is the patron of Zedan Polo Team and will play in the match said: “In Saudi Arabia we are taking steps to develop a stronger sporting culture in our society and this is one reason why the Saudi Polo Federation was founded.

“We are very excited about the start of this tournament and can’t wait to welcome polo friends from all over the world to the opening of AlUla Desert Polo.”

AlUla Desert Polo will feature four teams of three players including: Team AlUla, Team Amaala, Team Al Nahla and Team Richard Mille.

The weekend’s teams consist of:

AlUla Team
1. HRH Prince Abbas bin Ali Bin Nayef
2. Mohammad Al Habtoor
3. Adolfo Cambiaso

Richard Mille
1. HRH Prince Sultan Alfaisal
2. Amr Zedan
3. Pablo Mac Donough

Al Nahla Bentley
1. Sheikha Alya Al Maktoum
2. Saad Audeh
3. Pelon Stirling

Amaala
1. HSH Prince Carl von Oettingen-Wallerstein
2. George Spencer Churchill
3. Nacho Figueras

Tickets and packages can be purchased on experiencealula.com ; holidaysbysaudia.com or almosafer.com/en/winter-at-tantora

The Winter at Tantora festival will take place from December 19, 2019 – March 7, 2020 in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Details about the festival, its line-up and exceptional surroundings can be found at experiencealula.com with tickets on sale now. To stay up to date, please follow @WinteratTantora #DesertPolo on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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© Thomas Wirth

Argentine Greats Cambiaso, Mac Donough, Stirling & Nero Highlight New World First AlUla Desert Polo, the first polo event to be organised by the new Saudi Polo Federation, gets underway…

Asia, Polo News

WORLD FIRST DESERT POLO IS BORN IN THE UNSPOILED BEAUTY OF ALULA HERITAGE SITE

4. December 2019

International Polo Celebrated at Saudi Arabia’s First Official Polo Tournament

AlUla Desert Polo, the first tournament in Saudi Arabia to be held in cooperation with the Saudi Polo Federation, is to make its debut on January 16-18, 2020 as part of the Winter at Tantora cultural festival. Cradled against the backdrop of one of Arabia’s best kept secrets – the exquisite UNESCO heritage site in AlUla that will officially open to the public in October 2020 – AlUla Desert Polo represents a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s sporting and social journey. A new concept in world polo and inspired by the prestigious snow polo tournament held in St Moritz, Switzerland, Desert Polo will feature some of the most renowned players and patrons in the world of polo. Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation, Desert Polo is one of the highlights of the three-month long Winter at Tantora festival, running from December to March and held in the historic and untouched region. Amr F Zedan, Chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation and an international polo patron said: “This tournament is a celebration of the transformational journey that we are making in Saudi Arabia. “Our goal in promoting this extraordinary event is twofold. We want to tap into the undiscovered sporting talent that we know exists among young Saudi men and women and encourage greater levels of participation in our sport. We are also proud to use sport, and polo in particular, as a vehicle to showcase a truly unique destination and an incredible overall experience to the world. Saudi Arabia has the capability, the infrastructure and, crucially, the will, to stage major events on the world stage and Desert Polo is just one example of this.” Amr AlMadani, the CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla, welcomed the addition of Desert Polo to the prestigious and exciting roster of weekend events on the Winter at Tantora calendar: “AlUla is a place that sums up to the world the rich and as yet widely undiscovered culture within Saudi Arabia,” he said. “A major contributor to the heritage in this part of the world is our peoples’ connection to the horse. Therefore, it is symbolic that we are showcasing the progress of modern day Saudi Arabia here, in one of our most significant cultural sites.”

Winter at Tantora is offering two special polo package, for one day or three days featuring a special “Introduction to Polo” clinic. It includes a 1-hour introduction clinic to Polo, with a maximum limit of 10-per-day (first-come first-serve basis).

Tickets and packages can be purchased on experiencealula.com ; holidaysbysaudia.com or almosafer.com/en/winter-at-tantora

The Winter at Tantora festival will take place from December 19^th, 2019 – March 7^th, 2020 in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Details about the festival, its line-up and exceptional surroundings can be found at experiencealula.com with tickets on sale now. To stay up to date, please follow @WinteratTantora on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

About Winter at Tantora Festival
Winter at Tantora is a festival in AlUla County in North-West Saudi Arabia, a place of extraordinary natural beauty and cultural heritage. Running from 19^th December 2019 to 7^th March 2020, Winter at Tantora will bring 12-weekends of wonder to the AlUla Oasis, inspired by its spectacular scenery. Home to archeological treasures, natural beauty and magnificent monuments that span millennia, AlUla is set on the ancient incense route between Southern Arabia and Egypt. It became a hub of commercial and cultural exchange because a lush oasis valley ran through it, creating an ideal environment for civilizations to flourish.

About The 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 General Sports Authority, 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.

Photos: AlUla Desert Polo