Polo in the Middle East
Polo in the Middle East—particularly in the United Arab Emirates—has grown into one of the most important international circuits outside Argentina, the UK, and the USA. Driven by royal patronage, major investment, and world-class facilities, the region now hosts elite tournaments that attract top global players each winter season. The Middle Eastern polo calendar runs from October to April, when temperatures allow for high-level competition

Dubai

Dubai is the hub of Middle Eastern polo, with major venues including:Al Habtoor Polo Resort and ClubDubai Polo & Equestrian ClubDesert Palm Polo Club These clubs host the majority of the region’s high-goal tournaments and attract international teams.

Abu Dhabi

Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club - A historic venue founded under royal patronage, Ghantoot hosts international championships and national-level competitions.

Key Events

UAE National Day Cup (November)

Silver Cup (January)

Gold Cup (Jan–Feb) 

Emirates Polo Championship International (Jan–Feb)

Ghantoot International Polo Championship (Feb–March)

Dubai Challenge Cup (March)

Polo in the Middle East—especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi—has become a major pilar of the global polo calendar, with ;a winter season (Oct–April) - elite tournaments like the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series - influential patrons such as Habtoor Al Habtoor and Ali Albwardy and world-class international players…the region now stands alongside the UK, USA, and Argentina as one of the most important centres of modern polo.

Key Patrons in Middle Eastern Polo

Habtoor Al Habtoor

Founder of the Habtoor Polo Team, central figure behind Dubai’s high-goal tournaments and driver behind the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series

Ali Albwardy

Is the Patron of the Dubai Polo Team and one of the pioneers of polo in the UAE. His team has competed and won major tournaments internationally.

Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Prominent royal figure supporting polo and patron of UAE teams and advocate for women’s sport

Other regional patrons: Saeed Bin Drai (Bin Drai Polo Team), Mohammed Al Habtoor (administrative leadership and development)

These patrons are crucial in funding teams, attracting top players, and building global links.