The Emaar Polo Cup officially launched its seventh edition with a live draw held in downtown Dubai, marking the start of the tournament scheduled to run from February 3 to 15, 2026. The launch was highlighted by a visual show projected onto the Burj Khalifa, featuring imagery celebrating the championship, participating teams and partners, and setting the tone for the upcoming polo season.
Over the years, the Emaar Polo Cup has established itself as one of the UAE’s leading polo tournaments, mirroring both the sport’s growing popularity and Dubai’s ongoing investment in elite equestrian sport. Since its inception with four teams, the championship has expanded steadily and will feature ten teams in the 2026 edition, reinforcing its position on the regional polo calendar.
The launch event attracted senior officials, team representatives, partners and members of the media, reflecting the tournament’s increasing profile. Guests were welcomed with a presentation and keynote addresses that highlighted the competition’s evolution, sporting quality and wider community impact.
This year’s tournament will offer a substantial prize pool. The winning team will receive AED 120,000 along with a 212 vehicle courtesy of Legend Motors, while the runner-up will be awarded AED 75,000. A Most Valuable Player award of AED 5,000 will also be presented to recognise individual excellence during the championship.
Ten teams will compete in the seventh edition, including AM Polo, Bin Drai Polo, El Basha Polo, Equiti Polo, Noon Polo, Ghrghar Polo, Ankora Polo, Bhansali Polo, Jehangiri Polo and Ghantoot Polo. The field brings together experienced stables and emerging contenders, with prominent figures such as Rashed Al Abbar of Noon Polo and Sheikha Alia Al Maktoum of AM Polo strengthening the line-up.
Following the official draw, teams were divided into three groups. Bhansali, Ankora and Equiti form the first group, while Bin Drai, Ghantoot and Jehangiri make up the second. The third group includes AM Polo, Noon, El Basha and Ghrghar, creating a competitive mix of established and rising teams.
The 2026 edition is supported by title sponsor Emaar, alongside Legend Motors and its 212 vehicle brand as a key partner, CMC Hospital as medical partner, and the Dubai Sports Council as media partner.
Commenting on the announcement, Shokry Abouelsoud, General Manager of Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, said: “The Emaar Polo Cup continues to embody Emaar’s commitment to supporting world-class sporting events that combine excellence, heritage, and community engagement. The growth of the tournament over the years highlights its importance within the region’s polo calendar, and we are proud to support an event that brings together such exceptional teams and talent.”
Khalid Essa Alyassi, Director of Emaar Leisure Club, added: “Reaching the seventh edition of the Emaar Polo Cup is a proud milestone for us. What began as a small tournament with four teams has grown into a highly competitive championship that reflects the rising standard of polo in the UAE with 10 teams. This year’s line-up brings together experienced teams, emerging talent, and strong leadership, promising an exciting and memorable tournament.”
The event also drew representatives from the UAE Polo Federation, including Saeed Humaid Bin Drai, Vice President, Santiago Torreguitar, Director of Tournaments, and board members Sheikh Khalifa bin Hasher Al Maktoum, Mohammed Saeed Al Raqbani, Mehra Falaknaz and Hind Al Hosani, along with Omar Saouab, Director of Operations of Emaar Hospitality, senior officials and team representatives.
With competitive fixtures, significant prizes and a strong field of teams, the seventh edition of the Emaar Polo Cup is set to deliver high-level polo while celebrating the sport’s heritage and its growing presence in the UAE.
