Shereen Shabnam
There are few sporting events in the world that can rival the visual drama of AlUla Desert Polo. Staged against the breathtaking backdrop of ancient sandstone formations, sweeping desert landscapes and the cultural richness of one of Saudi Arabia’s most remarkable destinations, the 2026 edition once again proved why this event has become one of the most distinctive fixtures on the global polo calendar. I started writing about polo 18 years ago and usually it is the UAE polo calendar that sets my pulse racing but it is exciting to see the sport gaining traction in other countries in the region.
This year, AlUla transformed into a meeting point of elite sport, heritage, culture and contemporary luxury, drawing international players, royal dignitaries, distinguished guests and a strong turnout of spectators to the spectacular Mohammed Yousuf Naghi Equestrian Village. More than a tournament, AlUla Desert Polo has evolved into a signature experience, one that captures both the timeless spirit of Arabia and the refined energy of modern international polo.
The sixth edition of the event unfolded with all the ingredients of a memorable sporting occasion: thrilling matches, a lively social atmosphere and a setting that remains almost surreal in its beauty. Yet what continues to set AlUla Desert Polo apart is the way it goes beyond the sport itself. It is not simply about the action on the field, but about the world that surrounds it.
From the moment guests arrived, there was a palpable sense of occasion. Premium hospitality, elegant event spaces, curated cultural experiences, live entertainment and retail offerings helped shape a vibrant festival atmosphere that extended throughout the venue. Families, visitors and polo enthusiasts moved easily between the excitement of the matches and the wider event experience, all while taking in panoramic views of AlUla’s extraordinary landscape. And then, of course, there was the polo itself.
The final delivered exactly the kind of drama the setting deserved, with Team Defender, comprising Pablo MacDonough, Jenny Luttrell and HSH Prince Eugen zu Oettingen, claiming the prestigious title after defeating Team AlUla, featuring HRH Prince Salman bin Mansour Al Saud, David Stirling and Naveen Jindal, in a closely contested 9–8 victory. It was a thrilling conclusion to a weekend that showcased not only sporting excellence, but also the growing stature of the tournament itself.
What makes AlUla Desert Polo particularly compelling is its authenticity. While undeniably glamorous and internationally appealing, the event remains rooted in something far deeper: Saudi Arabia’s longstanding relationship with horses and equestrian culture. In AlUla, this connection feels especially resonant. The region’s desert terrain, history and heritage create a powerful natural context for an event that celebrates both elite competition and cultural continuity.
Organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), with the support of the Saudi Polo Federation and the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation, the event has become an important part of AlUla’s broader ambition to position itself as a year-round destination for sport, culture and experiential tourism. It also forms a key part of the AlUla Moments 2025/26 calendar, sitting alongside a growing portfolio of high-profile sporting and cultural events.
There is something undeniably magnetic about watching world-class polo unfold in the middle of the desert, where tradition and modern spectacle coexist so seamlessly. It is this rare balance, between heritage and innovation, sport and storytelling, elegance and authenticity that gives AlUla Desert Polo its lasting appeal.
