Sport Desk
ALULA: The 2025 Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo is fast approaching, and with a couple of days to go, the team lineups and match schedule have been set for this historic tournament.
Held at the stunning AlFursan Equestrian Village from 17-18 January 2025 within the surroundings of AlUla’s breathtaking desert landscape, the world’s first organized desert polo tournament has quickly become a key fixture on Saudi Arabia’s sports and social calendar.
The 2025 tournament promises to deliver another memorable occasion and a fitting celebration of Saudi Arabia’s rich equestrian heritage. The six competing teams will combine elite professional players from La Dolfina Polo Team, distinguished Royal Dignitaries, and international patrons, while also comprising one female player in each side.
Team AlUla is led by the legendary Adolfo Cambiaso, widely considered the greatest polo player of all time. The Argentine superstar is joined by Abdulmohsen Alkohair and Clarinda Tjia-Dharmadi. Team Dadan will feature Cambiaso’s daughter Mia Cambiaso, HRH Prince Abbas bin Ali, and Miguel Morel. Team Budget is made up of Milly Hine, Earl of Medina Harry Louis David Mountbatten, and Phillip Muller. Team Bentley will see Adolfo “Poroto” Cambiaso Jr compete alongside HRH Sultan bin Khaled Al Faisal and Sarah-Siegel-Magness. Team Ikmah comprises Nacho Figueras, HRH Prince Hamza bin Abbas, and Ploy Bhinsaeng, while Team Richard Mille stars Pablo MacDonough, Marchioness of Milford Haven Clare Mountbatten, and Mohammed ElSewedy.
Over two days of thrilling action, these teams will battle it out over a series of matches aiming to win the prestigious Desert Polo trophy.
Friday, January 17 will host the Round Robin matches, with AlUla, Dadan, and Ikmah placed in Zone A, and Bentley, Budget, and Richard Mille contesting Zone B. Play will begin at 1.30pm, starting with Dadan vs Ikmah followed by Dadan vs AlUla and Ikmah vs AlUla. Zone B will then take to the field from 3.45pm as Bentley face Budget followed by Bentley vs Richard Mille and Budget vs Richard Mille.
Saturday’s matches will start with the Wooden Spoon Cup Final at 12.30pm, which will be played by the two teams who finished bottom of Zones A and B. At 2.15pm, the Subsidiary Cup Final will be played between the teams who placed second in each Zone, before the Richard Mille Cup Final at 4.00pm between the two Zone winners. The matches will be followed by an awards ceremony and prize giving.
Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo showcases the region’s special relationship with equestrian while promoting AlUla’s extraordinary natural beauty and cultural depth. Played amidst the iconic rock formations that have made AlUla a globally famous tourism destination, the tournament is a fitting representation of the fusion between tradition and modern sports competition.
In addition to world-class polo, attending guests will enjoy a range of experiences, including exclusive VIP viewing areas, luxurious dining options, and vibrant activities to entertain all ages. An interactive motion gallery, live music, and performances are set to enhance the tournament and will make for an unforgettable weekend.
As part of the AlUla Moments calendar, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo supports Saudi Vision 2030 by boosting cultural tourism and the local economy while delivering top-tier entertainment. With elite competition, a stunning setting, and a welcoming atmosphere, the 2025 Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo promises to be a memorable highlight of the international polo season.
