Everything you need to know about the exclusive desert polo in AlUla
The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2023 is the first of ‘Sports Events’ festivals taking place in the ancient city…
It’s the perfect marriage of location and sporting event. Saudi Arabia’s ancient city of AlUla will once again play host to the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, the world’s only modern polo tournament to be staged in a desert, from Thursday January 26 to Saturday January 28, 2023.
Tickets are now on sale for the third edition of the event, taking place across three days of world-class polo action.
Here’s everything you need to know about Richard Mille’s exclusive tournament.
Expect a high-energy weekend-long polo tournament
Set against the magnificently dramatic backdrop of the AlUla canyons and the extraordinary landscapes of the Equestrian Village, near Saudi Arabia’s first Unesco World Heritage Site of Hegra, the tournament – widely regarded as the Sport of Kings – is played out in a purpose-built desert arena.
Attracting noteworthy polo players and celebrity audiences from the region and around the globe, the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2023 will be bigger than ever. The forthcoming tournament will see the event grow with eight teams led by some of the greatest players from global polo icons, with the world-famous La Dolfina Polo team players back again, joined by Facundo Pieres, Gonzalito Pieres and other world-renowned players.
The talented teams with well-bred horses will be exhibiting their superior horsemanship in an all-out battle to win.
As always, the event promises to be iconic
The tournament is organised in a collaboration among the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), the Saudi Polo Federation (SPF), Richard Mille, the title sponsor and tournament timekeeper, along with the legendary team La Dolfina Polo, and for the first time with Polo Club Saint-Tropez – Haras de Gassin, the summer destination of polo lovers from around the world.
Marking itself as a global event with invited patrons and professional players from around the world partaking in the tournament, the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2023 promises to be iconic. Furthermore, the collaborations solidify AlUla’s long-held historical ties to horsemanship, heritage and culture.
Spectators are welcome to watch all the games. So, bring your friends and family and enjoy the glamour, passion and elegance of this historic sport. The one-of-a-kind tournament will guarantee guests first-class hospitality and unmatched beauty for a unique experience. Look forward to a range of delectable food offerings and more exclusive events running alongside the tournament.
Last but not least, dress to impress
One of the truly unique characteristics of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo is that it is a sports event that also showcases the finest in winter fashions. So, be sure to pull out all of the stops when planning your desert polo wardrobe at this high-profile polo event.
Phillip Jones, chief destination management and marketing officer for RCU, said, “The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo kicks off our sporting calendar for 2023 and brings world icons from the polo world to AlUla once again. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that promises three days of first-class sport, stars, action and style. Hosting and partnering with the world’s best supports AlUla’s ambitions in becoming a premier equestrian destination.”
Alshair Fiyaz, chairman of Polo Club Saint-Tropez – Haras de Gassin, added, “We are thrilled to play an active role in the organisation of this year’s exceptionally promising edition. It will proudly mark the beginning of an ambitious partnership, which will grow into an exciting long-term collaboration between our two international polo destinations.”
The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo forms part of the AlUla Moments calendar that includes five festivals and six marque events. In addition, the polo is the first event of ‘Sports Events’ festivals alongside Saudi Tour Cycling (February 1 to 5), AlUla Trail Race (February 23 & 24), AlUla Endurance Cup 2023 (March 4) and more.
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, Jan 26 to 28, 10am to 7pm, Equestrian Village (Coordinates: 26°40’35.4″N 37°59’24.6″E). Book your tickets here. Tickets vary between single-day pass and full event pass, along with VIP setup passes with full hospitality. Prices start from SAR 300 for a one-day ticket. Children below 12 years of age are welcome and do not need a ticket. @experiencealula
Images: Provided