AlUla – The world’s first organized desert polo tournament returns on 17 and 18 January 2025, promising a unique experience that combines sport, culture and history in a breathtaking setting.
The majestic landscape of AlUla will once again be the setting for one of the most glamorous events in the international polo calendar. Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in collaboration with the Saudi Polo Federation (SPF), the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will be held at AlFursan Equestrian Village. This picturesque village is nestled in the historic oasis town of AlUla, known for its rich history and spectacular sandstone landscapes.
With Richard Mille as title sponsor, the tournament will once again attract polo’s elite. Top players include Adolfo Cambiaso, considered one of the greatest polo players of all time, and members of his famous La Dolfina Polo Team. He is accompanied by his son Adolfo “Poroto” Cambiaso and his daughter Mia Cambiaso. Other stars such as Nacho Figueras, known as the “David Beckham of polo”, and Pablo Mac Donough round off the high-caliber field of participants. Professional female players will also be represented again after their successful premiere in 2024.
In addition to the sporting highlights, visitors can look forward to a varied supporting program. Family-friendly activities such as a Kids Zone with interactive games and educational activities will keep the youngest guests entertained. At the same time, live music and a wide range of culinary delights, including creatively mixed mocktails, create a lively atmosphere.
Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer of the Royal Commission for AlUla, emphasizes the importance of the tournament: “This event combines AlUla’s rich equestrian tradition with modern excellence and contributes to the realization of the Saudi Vision 2030 goals by promoting cultural tourism and providing world-class sporting experiences.”
The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo is part of the comprehensive AlUla Moments calendar 2024/25, which includes a variety of events. In addition to the polo tournament, highlights include the Winter at Tantora Festival, the AlUla Trail Race and the AlUla Tour Cycling Race. These events celebrate the rich history, nature and cultural traditions of the region. With 7,000 years of history, AlUla is a unique place that inspires people from all over the world.
One of AlUla’s most famous attractions is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to Hegra, ancient sites such as Dadan and Jabal Ikmah offer fascinating insights into the region’s former high culture. The AlFursan Equestrian Village is the perfect setting to celebrate the combination of tradition and modernity in this impressive setting.
The event promises an unparalleled experience for visitors from around the world and further highlights AlUla’s position as a global center for polo and cultural exchange. Eagerly anticipated, the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 is another milestone in the development of this historic region as an international meeting place for sport, culture and community.
– Ruth A. Yorke
Photos by Royal Commission for AlUlaFACEBOOKTWITTER
