The Richard Mille Desert Polo returns to AlUla

The only modern polo tournament played in a desert, will take place from 17 to 20 January. 

Tickets are now available for the third edition of The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, which will feature eight teams led by some of the greatest players in polo history. The tournament will be held in a purpose-built desert arena in the Equestrian Village, near Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra. 

After morphing into a flagship event in the global equestrian calendar and 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.

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.  

On 18 January, two more matches are locked in as the other four teams aim to make a bright start in their bids for glory in AlUla. On 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.

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.

The tournament is organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla, the Saudi Polo Federation, and Richard Mille. The event aims to establish AlUla as a premier destination for equestrian enthusiasts from around the world and is part of the AlUla Moments calendar, which includes five festivals and six marque events. 

The event is part of the AlUla Moments calendar and will be followed by the AlUla Arts Festival (8 February to 2 March), the AlUla Skies Festival in February, and the AlUla Camel Cup in April.

“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,”said 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.”  

“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.” 

Early bird tickets, starting at SAR 150 can be purchased online.

GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.