Emaar Polo Cup Seventh Edition 2026 Dubai Draw Reveals Ten Teams And Prizes

The Emaar Polo Cup is preparing for its seventh edition, which will run from 3rd February to 15th February, 2026. The tournament will take place in Dubai and features ten teams, a larger field than in its early years. Organisers expect a strong regional line-up, fast matches and increased attention on the UAE’s polo scene.

The upcoming championship offers a substantial prize pool for players and teams. The winners will receive AED120,000 and a 212 vehicle supplied by Legend Motors, while the runners-up take AED75,000. A separate Most Valuable Player prize of AED5,000 will recognise standout individual performance across the tournament.

Officials detailed the financial rewards and key incentives during the launch ceremony in downtown Dubai. The event underlined how the seventh edition continues to develop the competitive level. Organisers stressed that rewards aim to support professional standards while encouraging new talent, in line with Dubai’s wider equestrian ambitions.

The live draw event, held in the heart of the city, officially opened the 2026 Emaar Polo Cup. A visual show on Burj Khalifa projected images of the tournament, teams and partners. The display also signalled the start of the new polo season, drawing attention from residents, visitors and the regional polo community.

After the draw, the ten participating teams were placed into three groups for the seventh edition. Group one includes Bhansali, Ankora and Equiti. Group two features Bin Drai, Ghantoot and Jehangiri. Group three brings together AM Polo, Noon, El Basha and Ghrghar, matching experienced contenders with ambitious emerging sides.

The team list highlights several notable figures in regional polo. Noon Polo features Rashed Al Abbar, while AM Polo includes Sheikha Alia Al Maktoum. Their presence is expected to attract added interest and raise standards during matches. Organisers note that the broader line-up showcases many of the region’s accomplished players and patrons.

The 2026 tournament is backed by several partners. Emaar serves as title sponsor, with Legend Motors and its 212 vehicle brand acting as a key partner. CMC Hospital is confirmed as medical partner, while Dubai Sports Council is listed as media partner. These agreements underline commercial and institutional support for the polo event.

During the launch, organisers also reflected on how the Emaar Polo Cup has changed since it began. The competition started with four teams and now features ten. Officials said this growth underlines polo’s rising profile in the UAE and demonstrates Dubai’s continued investment in equestrian sports and related community activities.

Shokry Abouelsoud, General Manager of Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, said, "The Emaar Polo Cup reflects Emaar’s commitment to world-class sporting events that combine excellence, heritage and community engagement. Its growth highlights its importance within the region’s polo calendar." The remarks linked the tournament’s expansion with broader support for polo in the Middle East.

Khalid Essa Alyassi, Director of Emaar Leisure Club, said, "Reaching the seventh edition is a proud milestone. The tournament’s evolution into a 10-team championship reflects the rising standard of polo in the UAE and promises an exciting competition." The statement pointed to both sporting progress and expectations of strong matches in 2026.

The launch gathering drew senior officials, partners and media representatives. Attendees included UAE Polo Federation officials such as Vice President Saeed Humaid Bin Drai and Director of Tournaments Santiago Torreguitar. Board members Sheikh Khalifa bin Hasher Al Maktoum, Mohammed Saeed Al Raqbani, Mehra Falaknaz and Hind Al Hosani were present, along with Omar Saouab from Emaar Hospitality.

With the draw completed, teams, sponsors and officials now turn their focus to preparations for February 2026. The seventh edition of the Emaar Polo Cup is expected to deliver fast-paced matches, high-profile prizes and strong community interest, further reflecting the depth of polo culture in the UAE and Dubai’s role in shaping it.

With inputs from WAM