The wait is over: the first high-goal tournament of the Middle East in 2026 has begun at the Al Habtoor Polo Club. We are talking about the Dubai Silver Cup, one of the two competitions played up to a twenty-goal handicap in the United Arab Emirates, considering that the third one until last year was the Ghantoot International Polo Championship, which was downgraded in 2026.

In this 16th edition, five teams are taking part, featuring outstanding personalities such as Lukin Monteverde, Carlos María Ulloa, Alfredo Capella, Tomás Fernández Llorente, Antonio Heguy, Gonzalo Pieres, among others. On this opening matchday, which lit up the Saturday afternoon in Dubai, Bangash faced Dubai Wolves (the defending champions), while Habtoor took on UAE.

In the first matchup, Haider Bangash’s organization managed to defeat the reigning titleholders 9–7, getting off to a strong start in their quest to achieve something that has so far eluded them. Meanwhile, in what can almost be considered a Middle Eastern polo classic, Habtoor showed a very high level of play, led by Carlos María Ulloa (who returns to Dubai after three years), and defeated the always tough UAE 9–5.

You can watch all matches live on Pololine.tv.

Teams and Schedule – Dubai Silver Cup 2026

Cover photo courtesy of Al Habtoor Polo Club Press.