Sports & Championship

The Emaar Polo Cup officially launched its seventh edition with a high-profile live draw event in downtown Dubai, setting the stage for the tournament scheduled to run from February 3 to February 15, 2026, at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club.

The launch was marked by a spectacular visual showcase projected on Emaar’s iconic Burj Khalifa, illuminating the landmark with dynamic imagery celebrating the tournament, participating teams and strategic partners. The striking display set an inspiring tone for the upcoming polo season and underscored the championship’s growing prestige.

Growing stature in the UAE polo calendar

Over the years, the Emaar Polo Cup has evolved into one of the UAE’s most respected polo tournaments, reflecting both the sport’s rising popularity and Dubai’s commitment to equestrian excellence. What began as a competition featuring just four teams has expanded significantly, with the 2026 edition welcoming ten teams comprising some of the region’s most accomplished players and patrons.

The tournament launch attracted a strong turnout of senior officials, team representatives, partners and media, highlighting the event’s increasing prominence within the regional sporting calendar. Attendees experienced a visually engaging presentation followed by keynote addresses that emphasised the championship’s evolution, competitive strength and community impact.

Prize pool and awards

This year’s championship features a substantial prize pool, with the winning team receiving AED 120,000, along with a 212 vehicle courtesy of Legend Motors. The runner-up will be awarded AED 75,000, while an additional Most Valuable Player (MVP) award of AED 5,000 will recognise exceptional individual performance throughout the tournament.

Teams and tournament format

The ten teams competing in the seventh edition of the Emaar Polo Cup are AM Polo, Bin Drai Polo, El Basha Polo, Equiti Polo, Noon Polo, Ghrghar Polo, Ankora Polo, Bhansali Polo, Jehangiri Polo, and Ghantoot Polo. The championship promises a high level of competition, with teams led by prominent figures including Rashed Al Abbar of Noon Polo and Sheikha Alia Al Maktoum of AM Polo, adding depth and distinction to the line-up.

Following the official draw, teams were distributed into three groups. Group One includes Bhansali, Ankora and Equiti, while Group Two features Bin Drai, Ghantoot and Jehangiri. Group Three comprises AM Polo, Noon, El Basha and Ghrghar, presenting a dynamic mix of established stables and emerging contenders shaping the UAE polo scene.

Strong sponsorship and institutional support

The 2026 edition is supported by title sponsor Emaar, alongside key partners Legend Motors, CMC Hospital as medical partner, and the Dubai Sports Council as media partner, reinforcing the tournament’s strong commercial and community backing.

Commenting on the occasion, Shokry Abouelsoud, General Manager of Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, said the championship reflects Emaar’s commitment to supporting world-class sporting events that combine excellence, heritage and community engagement.

Khalid Essa Alyassi, Director of Emaar Leisure Club, added that reaching the seventh edition represents a significant milestone, noting the tournament’s growth from a small competition to a highly competitive championship featuring ten teams.

Celebrating polo excellence

The well-attended launch event underscored the rising interest in polo across the UAE, with representatives from the UAE Polo Federation, senior officials and team members in attendance. With fast-paced action, prestigious prizes and an elegant atmosphere, the seventh edition of the Emaar Polo Cup invites polo enthusiasts, families and visitors to experience the sport at its finest while celebrating heritage, athletic excellence and the UAE’s vibrant polo culture.

• Tags
• #Business
• #Magazine
• #Lifestyle