EVENT BROCHURE
17 - 18 JANUARY 2025
TITLE PARTNER
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OFFICIAL PARTNERS
Carvings on the sandstone rock face show humanity’s relationship with equestrian, making AlUla Desert Polo a fitting home for Saudi Arabia’s past as well as a guiding light towards its new sporting future.
Follow in the footsteps of ancient tribes who first tamed wild horses in order to travel vast distances in the spirit of exploration, trade and curiosity.
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo is the modern embodiment of generations of harnessed equine grace and athleticism and a true evolution in the sport.
This unique event is a new concept in the sport placing the spectator at the heart of the action where heritage, culture and hospitality converge.
AlUla lets you walk in the shadows of 200,000 years of human history and discover a true ancient wonder in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while enjoying an action-packed sporting spectacle with all the comfort and luxury associated with the ‘Sport of Kings’.
ABOUT THE EVENT
The 4th edition of the highly successful; Desert Polo Tournament. Positioning AlUla as a key winter destination for International Polo.
In 2025, Richard Mille Desert Polo Tournament will host 6 professional teams at AlFursan Equestrian Village, overlooking magnificent views of rock formations, including The Hand located behind our tournament field.
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo brings together a sophisticated global audience who keep one eye on the sport and the other on the fashion and festive atmosphere in the crowd. This exclusive tournament brings together the world’s elite players, offering a rare chance to witness thrilling horsemanship among the canyons and vast golden sands of northwest Arabia.
Previous editions included participations from royalties, invited patrons and professionals to play alongside La Dolfina, previously known as the number one polo team in the world. Moreover, La Dolfina’s founder, Adolfo Cambiaso, is considered to be the best polo player of all time.
Click here for the location
ABOUT THE DESTINATION ALULA
Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in NorthWest Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned.
The most well- known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of more than 100 well preserved tombs with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement.
Current research also suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after conquering the Nabataeans in 106 CE.
In addition to Hegra, AlUla is home to a fascinating historical and archaeological sites such as: Ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms, which is considered one of the most developed 1st-millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula; thousands of ancient rock art sites and inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah; Old Town, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century.
ABOUT EQUESTRIAN IN ALULA
Arabia is the ancestral homeland of horses. AlUla’s landscapes have been traversed by horsemen since ancient times, as evidenced in stories passed down generations and visible in the rock art. Horses are part of AlUla’s millennia of history and identity.
The experience of horseback riding amongst the desert splendour, the unique rock formations, retracing the trails and valleys of past civilisations, will create unforgettable memories.
Every stone and every view has a story to tell, every valley invites us to explore. The vision of the equestrian sector is to make AlUla a unique destination to enjoy a living horse experience tailored around heritage and the beauty of the landscapes. AlUla aims to be a must-do destination for any horse enthusiast in the region.
MATCH SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, 17 JANUARY
MATCHES DAY
VENUE OPENS 12:00
ROUND ROBIN GROUP 1 13:30 TO 13:55
DADAN X IKMAH
13:55 TO 14:20
DADAN & ALULA 14:20 TO 14:45 IKMAH & ALULA
15:45 TO 16:10
BENTLEY & BUDGET 16:10 TO 16:35
ROUND ROBIN GROUP 2
BENTLEY & RICHARD MILLE 16:35 TO 17:00
BUDGET & RICHARD MILLE
VENUE CLOSES 18:30
MATCH SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, 18 JANUARY
VENUE OPENS 12:00
WOODEN SPOON CUP FINAL 12:30 TO 13:20
THIRD QUALIFIER OF MATCH 1 VS.
THIRD QUALIFIER OF MATCH 2
SUBSIDIARY CUP FINAL 14:15 TO 15:05
SECOND QUALIFIER OF MATCH 1 VS.
SECOND QUALIFIER OF MATCH 2
RICHARD MILLE CUP FINAL 16:00 TO 16:50
FIRST QUALIFIER OF MATCH 1 VS.
FIRST QUALIFIER OF MATCH 2
VENUE CLOSES 18:30
ALULA TEAM DADAN TEAM IKMAH TEAM
RICHARD MILLE TEAM BENTLEY TEAM
BUDGET TEAM
ABOUT SAUDI POLO FEDERATION
The Saudi Polo Federation aims to establish the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a premier global destination for polo by developing, regulating, and promoting the sport. Through distinguished tournaments and strategic initiatives, advancing polo locally and internationally.
Founded in 2018 under the leadership of its Chairman, Eng. Amr F. Zedan, the Federation has achieved global recognition by joining the International Polo Federation and the Hurlingham Polo Association in the same year. Its commitment to building world-class infrastructure, including training facilities and prestigious competitions, only strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a leading hub for polo enthusiasts and elevates Saudi Arabia’s status in the global polo community.
The Federation’s vision extends to fostering national identity by engaging youth in global events and nurturing ambassadors for the sport. It supports five official Saudi polo teams, ensuring their success in international tournaments while promoting polo domestically. Notable milestones include the AlUla Desert Polo Tournament, held in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla, and collaborations with the Argentine La Dolfina team, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s prominence in the polo world.
With a focus on excellence and innovation, the Saudi Polo Federation is positioning the Kingdom as a beacon for polo enthusiasts worldwide. By merging tradition with modernity, it celebrates Saudi Arabia’s heritage while aligning with Vision 2030.
EVENT ENTERTAINMENT
DJ JOJ
DJ MAJID
SARAH CHAFEI Female Vocalist
RETAILERS
KEY EVENT DETAILS
LITTLE KINGHT
MINI POLO
FACE PAINTING HORSESHOE
EXPERIENCES IN ALULA
INSIDE THE FOOTSTEPS OF IBN BATTUTA EXPERIENCE
INCENSE ROAD EXPERIENCE
WADI ALFANN PRESENTS: JAMES TURRELL
IMMERSIVE THEATRE EXPERIENCE
DUCASSE
SASS CAFE
ALULA HOT AIR BALLOONS