@DubaiGoldCup The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2014 in its Fifth Year of Success

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

One of the most prestigious polo events in the region “ Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series “ , announced at the press conference, held at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah ,10am today.

This is the fifth year in a row that the much anticipated event will be held. It takes place at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club at the Arabian Ranches in Dubai. 

The tournament will kick off with the McLaren Cup, beginning February 1 ending February 15, the Bentley Emirates Dubai Polo Gold Cup will commence on February 24 and will end on March 14, 2014.

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series is the fourth-largest tournament of its kind after Argentina, the US and the UK. Each year the event reaches new heights growing in tandem with the city of Dubai which has  quickly gained popularity and found its place on the Polo world stage.

There will be ten teams competing at this year’s Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series; a draw will be held at the press conference to determine which teams will compete against each other.

All Patrons and Teams attending:

UAE Polo Team ~ Patron  Her Highness Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Ghantoot Polo Team ~ Patron HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Habtoor Polo Team ~ Patron Mohammed Al Habtoor

Bin Drai Polo Team ~ Patron Saeed Bin Drai

Mahra Polo ~ Patron Rashid Al Habtoor

Abu Dhabi Polo Team ~ Patron Faris Yabhouni

Zedan Polo Team ~ Patron Amr Zedan

Desert Palm Dubai Polo Team 1 ~ Patron Rashid Al Bawardi

Desert Palm Dubai Polo Team 2 ~ Patron Tarik Al Bawardi

Edrees Polo Team ~ Patron Sultan Edrees

In 2012, the Dubai Gold Cup Series was recognized by the World Polo Tour (WPT) and this year at the WPT annual meeting committee, decided that Dubai Polo Gold Cup Tournament gets the highest tournament in points inside the Challenge Cup Category.

Played under the banner of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), the Gold Cup is being played according to HPA rules and the provision of umpires will be managed under strict international supervision by the HPA. For this season we have the 16 goal handicap. This means the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series (Dubai Open) is now the highest handicapped tournament in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

With its exciting mix of top-class sportsmanship and glamour, it has earned a reputation as one of the most prestigious events on the international polo calendar. This year it looks set to be more popular than ever and some of the most respected names from the world of polo have confirmed their participation.

“I am proud to say the Dubai Polo Gold Cup is well established and now running into its fifth year,” message by Mohammed Al Habtoor, the Chairman of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series.

“The ‘Dubai Open’ has earned itself a worldwide reputation thanks to the commitment from the patrons and teams that have participated over the years. This year we have a record number of ten teams – with some very well-known polo names participating yet again! It has been an honor to Chair such a prestigious tournament over the years and to watch it grow to what it is today.

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup has achieved so much in such a short space of time. What started out as a 10-12 handicap game in 2010 is now the highest handicap tournament in the Middle East – with a 16 high goal handicap. But that’s not all… we are currently studying upping the stakes even further – to an 18 goal handicap next year! This will without a doubt increase competition even further.

This year, we not only welcome new teams into the Dubai Open, but we are pleased to welcome Her Highness Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as patron of her own team. We also welcome His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Patron of Ghantoot, two Desert Palm teams from the Al Barwardi family and we welcome Sultan Edrees patron of Edrees Polo Team.

I am very proud of our achievements so far, and I promise you one thing, we will not let our guard down.

Dubai is now well and truly on the world map of polo and we will continue to raise its profile even further.

We also have something else to be very proud of this year. Dubai recently won its bid to host the Expo 2020.

This is not only another feather in our cap for our country, but it proves we can compete on the world stage… and win! Finally, I wish all the teams the best of luck in this year’s Dubai Open. May the best team win!”