Your guide to this weekend’s Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo
The excitement ramps up as the tournament returns from January 17 to 20…
The first-ever modern polo tournament in a desert environment is back with its fabulous third edition. Taking place from Wednesday January 17 to Saturday January 20 at the AlFursan Equestrian Village, the scene is set for another incredible sporting event amidst AlUla’s spectacular scenery.
Running during the flagship festival of Winter at Tantora, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo presents a perfect blend of sports, culture, and entertainment on and off the polo field.
For those in AlUla this weekend, we’ve put together a guide of all the attractions and entertainment that are taking place alongside the world-class competition.
Polo by day
Fans can expect high-quality matches that set the competition alight, featuring international patrons, royal dignitaries, and professional players, including women for the first time.
Kicking off the tournament today (Wednesday January 17), Team Saudia will face off against Team Sab at 1.15pm, followed by Team AlUla competing against Team Dadan at 2.50pm.
On Thursday January 18, two more matches are locked in as the other four teams aim to make a bright start in their bids for glory in AlUla. Team Tayma is set to clash with Team Bentley at 1.15pm, and later in the day, Team Khaybar will go head-to-head with Team Richard Mille at 2.50 pm.
Look forward to more world-class polo on Friday January 19. 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 January 20, 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.
Culture and entertainment by night
Off the polo field, visitors can expect a variety of entertainment and immersive events during the Winter at Tantora in AlUla. This includes a unique, history-inspired experience in the shadow of some of the Unesco World Heritage site’s most spectacular tombs, known as Hegra After Dark.
A fan of live classical music? Pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi will perform at the Hegra Candelit Classics, alongside a talented mix of Saudi musicians as candlelight illuminations create a magical and evocative environment.
The Swiss Orchestra Concert is also taking place at Maraya on Friday, January 19. Credited for igniting the Swiss symphonic renaissance and innovating the international music scene, the Swiss Orchestra has dazzled global audiences since its 2018 debut with renditions of famous Swiss composers and legendary figures, including Beethoven and Mozart.
You can immerse yourself in more culture-based experiences with Tales After Dark, AlJadidah Cultural Activation, or Memory Immersion in Old Town After Dark.
Meanwhile, visitors can look forward to daily live entertainment at AlFursan Equestrian Village. DJ Lean, one of Saudi Arabia’s most distinguished DJs, and Sara Albar, the exceptionally talented pianist, are performing each morning, afternoon, and evening. Jihad Assaad, O-Alain, Ribbon Dancers, and Ingrid & the Band are also part of the entertainment line-up, with each artist performing across multiple days.
The last remaining tickets still available
Good news. Fans still have time to purchase the remaining Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo tickets – available from SAR150 through the Experience AlUla website.
The tickets options still available also include premium single day passes from SAR338, weekend passes (Friday and Saturday) from SAR300, and four-day passes from SAR488. Full details on benefits and complimentary access and offerings per ticket is also listed online prior to booking.
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, Jan 17 to 20, noon to 5.30pm (except Fri noon to 7pm), AlFursan Equestrian Village, AlUla. Tickets start from SAR150 and are still available for purchase here. @alulamoments
Images: Provided