16 January 2024: AlUla Moments has announced fresh details surrounding Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo as excitement ramps up ahead of its return. The first-ever modern polo tournament in a desert environment is back with its fabulous third edition next week with incredible action and spectacular moments in store at the Equestrian Village from 17-20 January.
Once again attracting world-class players like Juan Martin Nero, David Stirling, Pablo Mac Donough, and polo GOAT Adolfo Cambiaso, this year’s edition promises to be the biggest and best yet.
With celebrity audiences and avid fans from across the region and around the world set to attend, visitors can look ahead with even greater enthusiasm now that the official schedule has been revealed.
“Our behind-the-scenes preparations are complete and we’re looking forward to hosting polo enthusiasts from all four corners of the globe next week – it’s going to be an epic four days that everybody enjoys; players and spectators alike,” added Ziad AlSuhaibani, Head of RCU’s Sport Sector Executive Program. “The increasing buzz and anticipation we’ve been witnessing is a glowing testament to the passion that the wider polo community now has for this competition. Days out from its return, we’re sure visitors will enjoy mapping out their diaries. Sport, culture, and entertainment are all set to shine next week.”
Running during the flagship festival of Winter at Tantora, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo presents a perfect blend of sports, culture, and entertainment this time round with incredible experiences awaiting attendees on and off the polo field – day and night.
The tournament begins on Wednesday as four teams begin their quest for the prestigious Desert Polo trophy. Fans can expect two high-quality matches that set the competition alight featuring international patrons, royal dignitaries, and professional players – including women for the first time.
Following the first day of play, fans then have the option to transfer to Hegra for Hegra After Dark, a history-inspired, fantastical immersive experience in the shadow of some of the UNESCO World Heritage site’s most spectacular tombs.
Next up on January 18, two more matches are locked in as the other four teams aim to make a bright start in their bids for glory in AlUla. Immediately afterward, attendees can depart from the venue for Hegra Candelit Classics, a much-loved concert that presents a repertoire of live classical music. Pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi will perform alongside a talented mix of Saudi musicians as candlelight illuminations create a magical and evocative environment.
Fast-forward to Friday, fans can first look forward to more world-class polo. Four matches will take place throughout the afternoon, setting the scene for an epic final day. Once the last match is concluded, fans can then cap off a memorable Friday by making their way to Maraya for the Swiss Orchestra Concert.
Credited for igniting the Swiss symphonic renaissance and innovating the international music scene, the Swiss Orchestra has dazzled global audiences since its 2018 debut with renditions of famous Swiss composers and legendary figures including Beethoven and Mozart.
The tournament’s last matches then take place on Saturday with the third and fourth-placed teams facing off in the subsidiary match before the top two teams go head-to-head in the grand final. Once the action is over, visitors can then immerse themselves in more culture-based experiences with Tales After Dark, AlJadidah Cultural Activation, or Memory Immersion in Old Town After Dark.
Additionally, visitors can look forward to live entertainment at the venue daily. DJ Lean, one of Saudi Arabia’s most distinguished DJs, and Sara Albar, the exceptionally talented pianist, are performing each morning, afternoon, and evening. Jihad Assaad, O-Alain, Ribbon Dancers, and Ingrid & the Band are also part of the entertainment line-up with each artist performing across multiple days.
“Richard Mille Desert Polo is much more than an elite sporting event– it’s an opportunity to enjoy a unique spectacle while taking in culture and entertainment offerings that delight and inspire,” added Rami AlMoallim, Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla. “Visitors are assured of a brilliant occasion that they will never forget and we can’t wait to welcome everybody next week.”
While consolidating AlUla’s status as an international polo destination, the tournament has become a key component of the Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU) equestrian commitment to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s long-held historic ties to horsemanship heritage, culture, and the arts.
With luxury hospitality, live entertainment, and much more alongside an incredible atmosphere and professional polo of the highest order, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo is a ‘must-attend’ event offering a one-in-a-lifetime experience.
Held in cooperation with the Saudi Polo Federation (SPF), Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo is sponsored by SAUDIA, Bentley, Nova, and Saud Awwal Bank (SAB) alongside Richard Mille.
For more information and to book tickets, kindly visit the Experience AlUla website.