The Royal Commission for AlUla, in coordination with the Saudi Polo Federation, has announced that AlUla is fully prepared to host the fourth edition of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Championship on January 17–18, 2025. This year’s event, officially accredited for the first time by the International Polo Federation, marks a significant milestone for the sport in the Kingdom and underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global sporting landscape. The championship will be held at Fursan Village, a dedicated venue designed to accommodate top-tier international competition.
Context and Background
Organized by the Saudi Polo Federation under the chairmanship of Amr Zedan, the championship has evolved rapidly since its inception, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to expanding its sporting and cultural offerings as part of Vision 2030. AlUla, a historic region known for its archaeological heritage and luxury tourism, has become a hub for prestigious events that blend sport with cultural experiences. The presence of Piero Dillier, President of the International Polo Federation, underscores the event’s rising international profile and the successful collaboration between Saudi authorities and global sports bodies.
Key Details and Teams
The 2025 championship will feature six teams: AlUla, Richard Mille, Dadan, Budget, Bentley, and Ikmah. These are divided into two groups—Group 1 includes AlUla, Dadan, and Ikmah, while Group 2 comprises Bentley, Budget, and Richard Mille. The lineup boasts international polo stars, including Adolfo Cambiaso, widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of the sport, and Prince Sultan bin Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz. Chairman Amr Zedan confirmed that Fursan Village is fully prepared to host players and accommodate the competition, highlighting that the fourth edition has seen significant development with additional activities and entertainment for spectators.
Implications and International Impact
This championship reinforces Saudi Arabia’s strategic efforts to diversify its economy and enhance its global standing through sports diplomacy. The accreditation by the International Polo Federation signals confidence in the Kingdom’s ability to organize world-class events. Beyond polo, the event is expected to attract international visitors and media attention, boosting AlUla’s profile as a premier destination for tourism and luxury experiences. The participation of renowned athletes like Cambiaso also elevates the championship’s prestige, fostering cross-cultural exchange and strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and the international sporting community.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The successful staging of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Championship directly advances Vision 2030 goals by promoting tourism, economic diversification, and cultural exchange. By integrating world-class sports with heritage tourism, Saudi Arabia is building a sustainable, vibrant society where both residents and global visitors can engage in high-quality events. As the Kingdom continues to expand its portfolio of international sports competitions, this championship stands as a testament to its commitment to innovation, excellence, and the realization of a diversified economy that showcases the best of Saudi Arabia to the world.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Championship?
A1. It is an international polo event held annually in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. The fourth edition takes place on January 17–18, 2025, and features top teams and players from around the world.
Q2. When and where will the 2025 championship be held?
A2. The championship will be held on January 17–18, 2025, at Fursan Village in AlUla, a historic region in northwest Saudi Arabia known for its cultural heritage.
Q3. Who organizes the championship?
A3. The event is organized by the Saudi Polo Federation, chaired by Amr Zedan, in coordination with the Royal Commission for AlUla.
Q4. How many teams are participating in 2025?
A4. Six teams are participating: AlUla, Richard Mille, Dadan, Budget, Bentley, and Ikmah.
Q5. What is new about this year’s edition?
A5. For the first time, the championship is officially accredited by the International Polo Federation, marking a major step in its global recognition.
Q6. Who is Adolfo Cambiaso, and why is he notable?
A6. Adolfo Cambiaso is an Argentine polo player widely regarded as the greatest in the history of the sport. His participation elevates the championship’s prestige.
Q7. Which Saudi royal is participating as a player?
A7. Prince Sultan bin Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz is among the players competing in the championship, showcasing local talent.
Q8. What is the role of the International Polo Federation?
A8. The Federation provides official accreditation and oversight, ensuring the event meets international standards. Its president, Piero Dillier, will attend the championship.
Q9. How are the teams divided?
A9. The teams are divided into two groups: Group 1 includes AlUla, Dadan, and Ikmah; Group 2 includes Bentley, Budget, and Richard Mille.
Q10. What is Fursan Village?
A10. Fursan Village is a dedicated venue in AlUla that has been prepared to host the championship, including players and spectator activities.
Q11. What additional activities are planned for spectators?
A11. The championship will feature entertainment and activities beyond polo matches, enhancing the visitor experience in AlUla.
Q12. How does the event support Vision 2030?
A12. The event promotes tourism, economic diversification, and cultural exchange, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals for a vibrant society and diversified economy.
Q13. What is the significance of AlUla as a location?
A13. AlUla is a historic region with archaeological treasures, positioned as a luxury tourism destination that blends heritage with modern events.
Q14. Who chairs the Saudi Polo Federation?
A14. Amr Zedan serves as the Chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation, overseeing the championship’s organization and development.
Q15. How has the championship grown since its first edition?
A15. The championship has seen significant development, with increased international participation, official accreditation, and expanded spectator activities.
Q16. What is the relationship between the championship and luxury brand Richard Mille?
A16. Richard Mille is the title sponsor of the championship, reflecting a partnership with a luxury brand that aligns with the event’s high-profile nature.
Q17. How does polo in Saudi Arabia benefit from this event?
A17. The event boosts the sport’s popularity in Saudi Arabia, attracts international talent, and facilitates knowledge transfer to local players and organizers.
Q18. Can international visitors attend the championship?
A18. Yes, the championship is open to international visitors, offering them a chance to experience world-class polo and AlUla’s cultural offerings.
Q19. What is the duration of the championship?
A19. The championship is a two-day event, taking place on January 17–18, 2025, with multiple matches played each day.
Q20. How does the event enhance Saudi Arabia’s global image?
A20. By hosting an internationally accredited event with top players and global media attention, Saudi Arabia showcases its capability to organize high-quality sports and promote cultural exchange.
Reader Feedback
We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.
Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.