@PoloAtThePalace @CouttsandCo UAE POLO STARS POISED FOR EPIC SHOWDOWN AT COUTTS POLO AT THE PALACE SOCIETY EVENT OF THE YEAR

UAE POLO STARS POISED FOR EPIC SHOWDOWN AT

COUTTS POLO AT THE PALACE SOCIETY EVENT OF THE YEAR

-       Event returns to Abu Dhabi’s iconic Emirates Palace 22 – 23 November 2013

-       World’s top luxury brands come together for an unforgettable weekend of polo, fashion, networking and art

-       Tickets for the showpiece event on sale now

Coutts Polo at the Palace returns to Emirates Palace 22 - 23 November, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, with two UAE polo stars vying for victory.

City Events, the London-based company who has brought the glamorous showpiece to the UAE’s capital, confirmed Mohammed Al Habtoor, a familiar name on the UAE polo scene, will captain Team Buenos Aires, who last year clinched the cherished Coutts Cup after a thrilling 3 – 2 penalty shoot out over Coutts Abu Dhabi.

Returning as captain this year for Fabergé Team London is British up-and-comer Stuart Wrigley, who last year charmed audiences with his debonair style on the pitch, despite narrowly missing out on a win.

The captains will compete against home team Coutts Abu Dhabi and Maserati Team Milan, together representing global fashion, luxury automotive and financial centres.

Last year’s inaugural event drew an international, sell-out audience to the West Lawn of the inimitable Emirates Palace, where guests were treated to high-octane polo as well as five-star hospitality across two spectacular days.

“Our special ‘palace rules’ make for a fast paced and exhilarating weekend of entertainment,” said City Events CEO, Rory Heron.  “This prestigious event takes place on a custom built pitch one third smaller than a standard polo field, creating a unique experience with action at its core. We’re thrilled to have attracted such high-calibre players who will no doubt thrill the crowds.”

Amir Sadr, Coutts; Holger Schroth, Emirates Palace;
 Rory Heron, City Events (L-R)

Last year’s event quickly became ‘Abu Dhabi’s society event of the year’, with a VIP audience and special guests enjoying luxurious hospitality from the sidelines of the action.  Guests in the Polo Garden enjoyed the unique opportunity to test drive the Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio Sport, and graze on delectable hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Emirates Palace’s award-winning chefs.

Coutts Polo at the Palace returns this year with the support of some of the world’s most prestigious brands, who together will create a memorable weekend of pure opulence.  Returning as title sponsor is Coutts, whose sponsorship of the event forms part of their ambitious growth strategy in the Middle East, where the company has offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha.

Amir Sadr, Co-Head Coutts Middle East, comments:

"Coutts Polo at the Palace represents one of the most prestigious occasions in the Middle East's sporting calendar and we are delighted to be the headline sponsor of this memorable event for the second year.  As we continue to develop our Middle East operation, we are proud to be associated with such a strong heritage; something that is shared in our own brand values."

New sponsors this year, Fabergé, the iconic artist jeweller, will present its latest High Jewellery creations, whilst Maserati returns to offer unique test drive experiences of their most recent model line up along the Abu Dhabi Corniche.

Coutts Polo at the Palace event organisers and sponsors
 with HH Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan

New for 2013, Emirates Palace will host an exclusive after party at its chic Breeze Lounge on both days, post match, for all those who attend the polo. International DJ’s will take to poolside decks to maintain the momentum from the exciting day of matches for a glamorous night under the stars.

Entrance to the event is strictly limited to 1,000 people per day, in order to ensure a unique experience for all guests.  Host sponsor Emirates Palace is also offering a Polo Weekend Package, for those wanting to enjoy the sport of kings whilst living like one.

“Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming a global luxury hotspot and there is no better place to showcase this weekend of food, fashion, art, and sport than The Emirates Palace.  Our grand facade and lush lawns set a picture-perfect backdrop for the weekend’s events, and with a full schedule planned for the two-day event guests will be wise to come and stay for the weekend so they don’t miss out on a minute of fun,” said Alexander Schneider, Hotel Manager of The Emirates Palace.

Coutts Polo at the Palace is held on 22 – 23 November. General admission tickets for the Polo Garden are available now, priced at AED250 per person per day. Tickets can be purchased from

Time Out Tickets and booking early is advisable to avoid missing out. For VIP hospitality please contact Rachel Roullier, City Events, Rachel@cityevents.uk.com or visit www.citypoloseries.com.