| 08 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: A press conference and live draw for the IFZA Gold Cup 2021 (Dubai Open) tournament was held at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort on the 8th February with the attendance of the media and participating teams. The Dubai Open is held under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and is scheduled on 14th February until 5th of March. On its 12th year, the tournament will have eight well renowned polo teams in the region competing for the most prestigious cup of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup (DPGC) Series. The Gold Cup is recognized and certified by the World Polo Tour (WPT) and has grown in parallel with the city of Dubai. It is the only tournament in the United Arab Emirates (along with the Dubai Silver Cup and Dubai Challenge Cup) carrying this accreditation by WPT. The Gold Cup is part of the WPT Championship Cup which is considered as one of the highest competition in terms of points, on a par with tournaments held in Argentina, Spain, UK and USA. It awards 125 points to its winners, 65 points to the finalists, 45 points to the semi-finalists and 30 points to all other participating players. The Dubai Open is played under the banner of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) with tournaments being played under strict international supervision according to the HPA rules and provision of its umpires. This year’s Dubai Open is powered by International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) as the title sponsor. IFZA is one the UAE’s leading Free Zone Authorities and with its long-standing dedication to excellence, has continuously improved the way it conducts business with its customers in the country. Mohammed K. Al Habtoor, Vice Chairman & CEO of Al Habtoor Group, Founder of the DPGC Series and Patron of Habtoor Polo team were joined by Martin Pedersen, Chairman of IFZA, Joseph Tayar, General Manager Al Habtoor Motors Prestige Division (Bentley Emirates), and Santiago Torreguitar, Tournament Director of the Emirates Polo Association.  Mohammed Al Habtoor said, “The sports industry thrives in the strength of each athlete, the teams behind it and the support it receives from trusted partners. This season, we are grateful for the support of patrons and all our sponsors such as Bentley Emirates which has been a part of the Dubai Open since 2010. Also, I am proud to receive the backing of IFZA as a title sponsor not only of the SilverCup but also the Gold Cup tournament – which is a first for the Dubai Polo Gold Cup organization. In addition, IFZA is the Official Sponsor of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club’s 2021 Polo Season. This tremendous support is a demonstration of confidence for the team based on our hard work in delivering world-class polo events in the region that has placed Dubai in the forefront of the international polo scene.” He added, “I am excited for the upcoming matches as the qualifying matches of the last tournament has shown a difference in performance from the teams. I wish all the teams the best of luck.  Martin Pedersen, Chairman of IFZA said, “The Dubai Polo Gold Cup is a demonstration of the spirit of determination and resilience of the people of the UAE. In the middle of the current global challenges, and even with a sense of caution… we still dare to step out boldly. We at IFZA share this same spirit of determination, resilience and courage.” He added, “As an International Free Zone, it is our purpose and our passion at IFZA to form collaborative relationships with people who share our mindset of excellence and success. At IFZA, we are determined to develop a culture of constant progress, to always think from the perspective of our target groups, and to create uniquely positioned products and services that enable visionary entrepreneurs from around the world to locate themselves here in Dubai. As IFZA increase our global reach throughout our new markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, one of our important propositions is Dubai’s strength beyond business. Our sponsorship in polo is an investment that helps us underline this.”Participating teams include:Abu Dhabi Polo Team (Patron: Faris Al Yabhouni)Bangash Polo Team (Patron: Haider Bangash)Dubai Wolves by CAFU team (Patron: Habtoor Al Habtoor)Ghantoot Polo Team (Patron: HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan)Habtoor Polo Team (Patron: Mohammed K. Al Habtoor)IFZA – Mahra Polo Team (Patron: Rashid Al Habtoor)UAE Polo Team (Patron: HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum)Zedan Polo Team (Patron: Amr Zedan)TOURNAMENT FIXTURE Download ImagesTOURNAMENT SPONSORS AND PARTNERSINTERNATIONAL FREE ZONE AUTHORITY – TITLE SPONSOR Strategically situated in Dubai, of the world’s most powerful business gateways, the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is your single point of contact for all Free Zone business formation and administration services. IFZA provides local and international businesses the ideal platform, infrastructure and location that optimize the benefits of the UAE’s strategic geographic position, world-class infrastructure and business and tax-friendly environment. IFZA provides competitive Free Zone Business License packages, efficient incorporation services and an expert team with up-to-date knowledge on rules and regulations to ensure that your client’s business foundation is laid in a timely and secure manner.BENTLEY EMIRATES – MAIN SPONSOR Bentley Emirates, part of Al Habtoor Motors, the official dealer of Bentley in the UAE, displays its iconic range of Bentley Vehicles at the Gold Cup Polo 2019. Bentley Emirates, the largest Bentley Dealer in the world and is the main sponsor of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2019. Part of the well-established, Dubai based business conglomerate Al Habtoor Motors, the Prestige Cars Division is the officialdealer of some of the world’s coveted marques in the UAE. Al Habtoor Motors is the sole authorized retailer of Bentley motor cars in the UAE since 1983 and has the world’s largest Bentley showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road. Al Habtoor Motors also hosted one of the world’s largest Bentley Aftersales facility as well the world’s first Bentley Café located in the heart of Dubai Marina.Driven by professionalism, quality and high standards of customer service, Bentley Emirates continues to serve with utmost confidence and is poised to scale even greater heights. For more information visit: www.dubai.bentleymotors.comU.S. POLO ASSN. – OFFICIAL APPAREL SPONSOR  U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States founded in 1890, making it one of the oldest sports governing bodies. With a global footprint of $1.7B and worldwide distribution through 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, department stores, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories, footwear, travel and home goods in 180 countries worldwide.Website: https://www.uspoloassnglobal.com/CO-SPONSORS  HILDON WATERHildon is an English Natural Mineral Water which lies deep within the chalk hills of Hampshire, as a result it is of the highest quality. Bottled at its source on the Hildon Estate in Hampshire and Imported from the UK, it is distributed exclusively by Top Shelf Beverages in the region, Hildon Natural Mineral Water is a proud sponsor and supporter of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2016. Website: www.hildon.com  DIAMOND LEASEDiamondlease L.L.C, a fully owned subsidiary of the Al Habtoor Group, was established in 1996 to offer automotive rental and leasing solutions, as an alternative to owning and maintaining vehicles, to Corporate and Individual customers in the UAE. Diamond lease serves more than 700 companies and multinational conglomerates operating in UAE, handling and managing their transportation requirements. Website: www.diamondlease.comMEDIA PARTNERS  POLO LINE TVPLTV is the first online streaming polo site, broadcasting over 25 tournaments LIVE per year around the globe, reaching +200k viewers. The production and edition of exclusive content makes PLTV the most comprehensive polo channel in the world. Website: https://www.pololine.tv/  AL BADIASince 2008, Al Badia, the prestigious Arabic venture is devoted to bringing the latest news and views on the equestrian world, Polo sporting and lifestyle. In fact, it is a tribute to the age-old passion for the thoroughbred, an integral part of the rich Arabian culture Website: http://albadiamagazine.com/  SPORT360XSport360X is a leading digital publisher and sports consultancy agency. Known in the region for almost a decade as the leading sports publisher in Arabic and English, Sport360X is the embodiment of sporting passion. We represent the voice of sports fans, creating unique and engaging content consumed by millions every month. Building on this expertise and passion, Sport360X also helps others tell their sporting story. Combining knowledge with creativity, Sport360X offers a wide-range of sports related services such as strategy and brand development, content creation, events and conferences, athlete and influencer management, and much more. Website: http://www.sport360x.com/GOVERNMENT SUPPORT  DUBAI SPORTS COUNCILDubai Sports Council is the official government body responsible for the development of the sport sector in the Emirate of Dubai. Under the Chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and its 14 BoardMembers; the Council supervises the work of nine local clubs in Dubai, six of which practice a variety of individual and or team sports, such as football, handball and archery; in addition to the chess club and a club devoted for those with special needs.Since its inception in 2006, with the vision of creating a unique sporting community, the Council organizes various annual major Sports Championships and Conferences, in cooperation with multiple International/ National sports bodies and Dubai Government Entities, such as the Dubai International Sports Conference, Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup and the FINA Diving World Series; in an attempt to enhance the culture, knowledge and expertise of professionalism in all aspects of the field; from the overall preparation and/or execution of the event.Dubai became the first Arab and Middle East city to host the Sport Accord International Convention in 2010, and stages the annual Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award, the most prestigious Award of the Middle East Region. Though the Council works on various major international sports events, it does not overlook the importance of spreading the awareness of a healthier, more active lifestyle locally; and in order to achieve such objectives, physical activity programs and initiatives, such as the Dubai Pulse Physical Activity program, the Furjan District Championships and the Dubai Beach Soccer League, have all been designed to target the various communities within the Emirate.Website: http://www.dsc.ae  EMIRATES POLO ASSOCIATIONRenowned for their beauty, loyalty, strength and intelligence, the Arabian horse is as much a part of Arab tradition as the camel or falcon. The love and respect for these fine creatures, and their descendants, has been evident first from the very formation of the United Arab Emirates.His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late ruler of the UAE established Ghantoot Polo Club in 1994as the only Royal facility in the UAE. Today the patron of the Ghantoot Polo Team, his son His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, continues his legacy through his love of the sport. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, has long been captivated by the sheer power, elegance, speed and grace of horses and is heavily involved in many equestrian sports. The UAE’s first polo club dates back to 1974, and today there are four active polo clubs between the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai – Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Desert Palm Polo Club, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club.Website: https://www.emiratespoloassociation.com/ABOUT DUBAI POLO GOLD CUP SERIES The Dubai Polo Gold Cup (DPGC) Series was founded in 2009 by Mohammed K. Al Habtoor, patron of Habtoor Polo team. Year on year, the tournament has reached new heights. In 2012, the Gold Cup was recognized by the World Polo Tour (WPT), and in January 2014 the WPT committee credited the Gold Cup tournament as being the highest competition in terms of points within the WPT Challenge Cup category, elevating it to 50 points for the winner.2015 marked the first time that the WPT upgraded the Gold Cup tournament from ‘Challenge Cup’ to the highly coveted ‘WPT Cup’, resulting in winners received 60 points. In 2017 the tournament was moved up to WPT Championship Cup – the highest competition in terms of points, awarding its winners with 125 points. The Silver Cup is ranked under the ‘WPT Challenge Cup’ category – with winners receiving 60. The Dubai Challenge Cup belongs under the WPT Challenge Cup category giving its winners 10 points. The DPGC Series is proud to be the only tournament series with this exclusive accreditation from World Polo Tour in the GCC and MENA Region, ranking it among the best polo tournaments worldwide. |
