Mohammed Al Habtoor, patron on Habtoor Polo Team, founded the Dubai Gold Cup Series in 2009. Since then it has grown in tandem with the city of Dubai. Today it is one of the highest handicap events in the Middle East and the fourth largest tournament of its kind after Argentina, the US and the UK. The Dubai Open is split into two tournaments: the McLaren Silver Cup and the Julius Baer Gold Cup and played under the banner of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA). It attracts polo stars from around the world, VIPs, society figures as well as senior corporate executives from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Al Habtoor said, “The competition, which started with 10 goal handicap, has picked up momentum and evolved into an 18 goal handicap competition in record time. This is down to the overwhelming desire of the participating teams and their owners who have backed the tournament for many years. They have all contributed to helping make Dubai a global polo destination.”
He also commended the role HH Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has played in the sport. HH Sheikha Maitha regularly plays in the Dubai Gold Cup Series as well as other polo events in the UAE.
“The presence of HH Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed in the Dubai Gold Cup Series has contributed to the promotion of polo in the UAE and encouraged more players to the sport. She inspires women and is a great role model,” he said. He also praised the participation of players and patrons from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Al Habtoor concluded, “I have big plans for the Dubai Gold Cup Series next year. We are making preparations for the opening of the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, an equestrian centre in the heart of DubaiLand. It is a horse lover’s dream boasting the best polo fields in the world, and offering all equestrian disciplines. It will be a great addition to Polo in Dubai.”
The resort will also be home to The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club as well as 162 stylish bungalows, 24 of which will be St. Regis-branded luxury homes.
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