During the press conference and live draw held on Monday at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort, the official schedule for the Gold Cup 2024 Dubai Open tournament was formally revealed. The event witnessed the active participation of teams, sponsors, and members of the media, marking the beginning of an exciting journey towards the tournament.
The much-anticipated Dubai Open is set to unfold from the 9th to the 24th of February, featuring a competitive 20-goal handicap on its 15th year. This year’s edition brings together six formidable teams vying for the prestigious championship trophy, marking a significant showdown among champions.
As one of the flagship events within the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series (DPGCS), the Gold Cup holds a distinguished status, acknowledged and certified by the esteemed World Polo Tour (WPT). The tournament operates under the WPT Championship Cup, elevating the competition to one of the most prestigious in terms of points on the global polo stage.
THE DUBAI GOLD CUP WILL BE STREAMED LIVE ON POLOLINE TV.
An integral part of the UAE Polo Federation, the tournaments under the DPGCS adhere to the regulations of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA). Every match is conducted under the watchful eye of certified HPA umpires, ensuring the highest standards of play in alignment with international polo regulations. The Gold Cup, within this dynamic series, stands as a testament to the commitment to excellence and sportsmanship within the vibrant polo community of Dubai.
This year’s Dubai Open is set to receive significant support from esteemed sponsors. Bentley takes center stage as the main sponsor, joined by co-sponsors MAK Engineering Consultancy, Kludi (part of RAK Ceramics group) Hildon, and Diamond Lease. U.S. Polo Assn. as the official apparel sponsor, contributing to the tournament’s distinctive style and identity.
Mohammed Al Habtoor, CEO & Vice Chairman of Al Habtoor Group was joined by Joseph Tayar, the General Manager of Bentley Emirates; HE Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council; Mohammad AL Huraiz, Board Member of the UAE Polo Federation; and Santiago Torreguitar, Tournament Director of the UAE Polo Federation.
Mohammed Al Habtoor, the CEO & Vice Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, expressed pride in announcing the 15th consecutive year of hosting the esteemed Dubai Open by the Dubai Polo Gold Cup organization. He highlighted the upcoming tournament as a gathering of top-tier polo players from across the globe, emphasizing the event as a manifestation of their deep-seated passion for the sport. Al Habtoor eagerly anticipated welcoming not only the players but also their families and fans to partake in the excitement, showcasing the commitment to advancing the “Sport of Kings.” He underscored how this long standing tradition has become a source of pride for the United Arab Emirates.
DUBAI GOLD CUP – THE TEAMS:
ZONE A
Dubai Wolves Polo by CAFU: Habtoor Al Habtoor (1), Felix Esain (6), Santiago Laborde (6), Benjamin Panelo (7).
Habtoor Polo Team: Mohammed Al Habtoor (0), Juan Jaureche (7), José Araya (5), Bautista Bayugar (8).
Mahra Polo Team by AIX Investment Group: Tariq Al Habtoor (1), Juan Cruz Guevara (4), Teodoro Lacau (7), Jacinto Crotto (7).
ZONE B
Bangash Polo Team by Dodson & Horrell: Haider Bangash (0), Alfredo Cappella (8), Tomás Fernández Llorente (7), Facudo Kelly (3).
Ghantoot Polo Team: Nasser Al Shamsi (1), César Crespo (6), Pablo Llorente (6), Marcos Araya (7).
UAE Polo Team: HH Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (0), Lukin Monteverde (6), Tommy Beresford (7), Federico Von Potobsky (5).
The order of play for the opening matchdays of the Dubai Gold Cup are as follows:
Friday 9th
4pm: Dubai Wolves by CAFU vs Ghantoot
Saturday 10th:
2pm: Mahra Polo Team by AIX Investment Group vs UAE Polo
4pm: Habtoor vs Bangash