The HH President of the UAE Polo Cup comes to a conclusion this weekend in what is sure to be an exciting and fun finish at the family-friendly event.
Held in the name of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Polo Cup commenced on January 6 with 10 teams of Mahra, Al Habtoor, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Saudi sides Edress and Zedan, Bin Drai, hosts Al Ghantoot, Desert Palm 2 and current titleholders Desert Palm 1.
Today (Thursday) will see the subsidiary final match-up between Mahra and Habtoor in the consolation bracket, while tomorrow will feature Abu Dhabi against Bin Drai in the other sub-final before the grand final to crown the winner of the 15th annual edition.
Aside from the equestrian action on the field, there will be plenty of family entertainment for everyone on the tournament’s final day (Friday). Picnic areas, activities and a live concert will be on hand, adding to the festive atmosphere and making the conclusion of the Polo Cup one to remember.
The day will kick off with outdoor activities and games at the ADCB Ambition Garden, with music played by a DJ. Children can have their face painted and do arts and crafts in the Creative Corner, as well as use the bouncy slide in the Active Zone. Ghantoot will also offer free pony and camel rides and fans can pose for pictures with the players.
Sports and physical fitness shows will entertain visitors, followed by the polo getting underway with the sub-final.
Viewers will then be treated to a Dubai Police dog show, a UAE Parachute Team show and an Al Forsan aerobatic show before the team presentation and grand final.
Afterwards, an award ceremony will be held for the winners, as well as the ‘best dressed’. Visitors can even win prizes in the raffle draw.
The day of fun will be capped off with a dinner, including a live concert by artist Mohammed Al Salem.
For those wanting to enjoy the wide range of activities at the event while keeping track of the polo, a live stream of the matches will be available on the tournament’s website at www.presidentpolocup.ae.
Last year’s Polo Cup saw Desert Palm take the title for the first time after defeating rivals Bin Drai 7-6 in a thrilling final. Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum won the best local lady player award and Mohammed bin Drai earned the best player award, while his stallion was declared the best horse in the tournament.
The event will take place at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, which boasts 300 hectares of grassland, a 2,000-seater grandstand and eight world-class polo fields.
“Completing 20 years, Ghantoot witnesses the participation of 10 teams in the 15th edition of the tournament, which confirms the remarkable progress of this particular game within the UAE,” said Saeed bin Houfan Al Mansouri, the club’s vice-chairman.
Entry for both days is free with the sub-final today at 16:00 and gates opening tomorrow at 13:00.
With top-quality polo on the field and a day full of entertainment, the HH President of the UAE Polo Cup makes for a great day out.
WHAT: 15th edition of the HH President of the UAE Polo Cup
WHEN: First sub-final today at 16:00, gates for Friday’s Grand Final day open at 13:00
WHERE: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Abu Dhabi
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