AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 20 January 2025:
AlFursan Equestrian Village hosted two days of competition, with six teams comprising some of the world’s best professional players, Royal dignitaries, and international patrons competing to win the prestigious Desert Polo trophy.
Team Richard Mille, featuring Pablo MacDonough, Mohammed AlSewedy, and Clare Milford Haven won the title on Saturday with an 8-6 victory over Team Ikmah (Nacho Figueras, Ploy Bhinsaeng, and HRH Prince Hamza bin Abbas) following the final.
Team Bentley (Poroto Cambiaso, HRH Sultan bin Khaled Al Faisal, and Sarah Siegel-Magness) collected the Subsidiary Cup after beating Team AlUla (Adolfo Cambiaso, Clarinda Tija-Dharmadi, and Abdulmohsen Alkohair) 6-5 in a match between the two Zone runners-up, while Team Dadan (Mia Cambiaso, HRH Prince Abbas bin Ali, and Miguel Morel) took home the Wooden Spoon Cup by defeating Team Budget (Millie Hine, Harry Medina, and Phillip Müller) 7-6.
With the curtain now closed on the fourth staging of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, it can be confirmed that the 2025 tournament welcomed more weekend visitors than in any previous years. Total attendance across Friday and Saturday increased by 14 percent compared to last year’s tournament, making AlFursan Equestrian Village the place to be for this unique and historic event.
The record crowds prove that the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo continues to enhance its status as a key event on Saudi Arabia’s sports and social calendars while highlighting AlUla’s reputation as a premier destination for sport and tourism.
Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), said: “The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo has once against exceeded all expectations, with a record turnout of guests and spectators enjoying a truly world-class showcase of polo.
“Bringing together the biggest professional stars in the game, this year’s event delivered thrilling action on the field and highlighted the exceptional skill and passion that define this noble sport.”
The presence of the world’s biggest polo stars, many of whom have now competed in every edition, exemplifies the growing importance of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo on the global polo circuit.
AlSuhaibani added: “This tournament is a celebration of AlUla’s and Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted connection to equestrianism and further solidifies AlUla’s position as a top-tier destination for global sports and tourism. We are excited about the future of this iconic event, with ambitious plans already in motion to elevate it to even greater heights in the years to come.”
Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation, the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo is a fitting celebration of Saudi Arabia’s rich equestrian heritage and supports Saudi Vision 2030 by providing support and economic opportunity in the region.
Faisal Bin Dowees, CEO, Saudi Polo Federation said: “The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo provides a powerful platform for economic and social development; driving tourism, creating opportunities, and supporting local businesses in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
“The tournament strengthens community pride while positioning the region as a global hub for sports and culture. By celebrating AlUla’s unique heritage and equestrian traditions, this event highlights the transformative potential of sport in unlocking opportunities and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s dynamic future.”
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, the world’s first organized desert polo tournament, is part of the AlUla Moments calendar 2024/25, a year-round schedule of events designed to promote the culture, history, and spectacular nature of AlUla. Among the many highlights on the AlUla Moments calendar include the AlUla Tour professional cycling race, AlUla Trail Race, and AlFursan Endurance AlUla.
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