Galloping to glory: UAE polo season hots up at Al Habtoor Polo

Dubai: Under the blazing Dubai sun, the sound of hooves pounding the turf marks the beginning of a thrilling polo season, where passion, skill, and fierce competition take centre stage. With the UAE polo scene in full swing, the stage is set for an unforgettable series of high-stakes matchups.

The Silver Cup 2025 kicks off the high-handicap season at the Al Habtoor Resort and Polo Club, while the UAE Federation Polo Cup has reached its semi-final stage, building up to a grand finale.

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series, now in its 16th year for the Gold Cup and 15th for the Silver Cup, has firmly established itself as one of the most prestigious events on the international polo calendar. The tournament draws world-class players and legendary teams from across the globe, with the atmosphere on the field fuelled by the unique connection between rider and pony. The sound of mallets striking the ball and hooves thundering across the turf is music to the ears of those who witness this special bond — one that elevates polo from a sport to an art form.

Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Al Habtoor Group, spoke to the media on Monday about the tournament’s significance: “The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series is the biggest and most challenging tournament in the region. The Silver Cup will be followed by the Gold Cup, and then the President’s Cup.”

The 20-goal handicap Silver Cup 2025, running from January 15 to February 1, will set the stage for a series of high-quality matches, culminating in the Gold Cup.

Al Habtoor credits his deep passion for polo for the series’ success. “From day one, I became addicted to polo. It’s my passion, and it’s a sport for my children and grandchildren. This passion runs through my family,” said the patron of Al Habtoor Team, who will play Bangash Polo in the inaugural match of the Silver Cup on Wednesday. “Fans from the Far East to Argentina are following our games.”

The UAE Polo Team, headed by Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will face the Dubai Wolves in the second match of the opening double-header. Ghantoot, the fifth team in the event, will meet Bangash on Thursday. The five teams will play four qualification matches, with the top four advancing to the final on February 1.

“The Dubai Gold Cup is a significant part of the Dubai Sports Council’s annual calendar, which features more than 450 events,” said Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, underscoring polo’s growing importance in the UAE.

Santiago Torreguitar, a member of the UAE Polo Federation tournament committee, sees great potential for the sport to flourish at the grassroots level: “The growth we’ve seen is remarkable. We’ve seen an influx of new players and teams, and now we’re encouraging young kids to take up the sport. We’re also looking ahead to the 2026 FIP World Cup, which will be hosted in the UAE. The potential for polo here is immense.”

After kicking off their Silver Cup campaign, the UAE Polo Team, led by Sheikha Maitha, will take on Abu Dhabi in the first semi-final of the 12-goal handicap UAE Federation Polo Cup at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club on Friday. Habtoor will face AM Polo, led by Sheikha Alia Al Maktoum, for a spot in the finals on January 19.

“Our modern club has been home to Dubai’s very best of polo and equestrian facilities, where we have seen high-profile equestrian events for more than 15 years,” Nayef Bou Hamdan, General Manager, Dubai Polo & Equestrian, said.

As the UAE polo season gallops ahead, the blend of tradition, skill, and passion continues to captivate audiences both locally and globally.