The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 unfolded in spectacular fashion, setting new benchmarks with record-breaking attendance and exhilarating displays of equestrian excellence. Over the course of two extraordinary days, the esteemed AlFursan Equestrian Village welcomed an unprecedented number of distinguished guests, cementing the tournament’s status as a crown jewel in the global polo calendar.
A Tournament of Unparalleled Prestige
This year’s edition featured six elite teams, showcasing the prowess of world-renowned professional players, esteemed royal dignitaries, and influential patrons. Team Richard Mille, comprised of the exceptional trio—Pablo MacDonough, Mohammed AlSewedy, and Clare Milford Haven—secured a triumphant 8-6 victory over Team Ikmah, which included celebrated figures such as Nacho Figueras, Ploy Bhinsaeng, and HRH Prince Hamza bin Abbas.
In the Subsidiary Cup, Team Bentley, represented by the iconic Poroto Cambiaso, HRH Sultan bin Khaled Al Faisal, and Sarah Siegel-Magness, claimed victory with a thrilling 6-5 win against Team AlUla. Meanwhile, Team Dadan emerged victorious in the Wooden Spoon Cup, narrowly edging past Team Budget with a 7-6 triumph, underscoring the intense competition and sportsmanship displayed throughout the event.
An Exponential Growth in Prestige and Popularity
The 2025 tournament witnessed an impressive 14% surge in weekend attendance compared to the previous year, further reinforcing AlFursan Equestrian Village as the quintessential destination for discerning polo enthusiasts and luxury connoisseurs. This remarkable growth underscores AlUla’s ascent as a premier global hub for sport and luxury tourism, drawing an elite audience and elevating the region’s stature on the world stage.
A Vision of Grandeur and Global Ambition
Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), said, “The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo has once again exceeded all expectations, with a record turnout of guests and spectators enjoying a truly world-class showcase of polo. Bringing together the biggest professional stars in the game, this year’s event delivered thrilling action on the field and highlighted the exceptional skill and passion that define this noble sport.”
“This tournament is a celebration of AlUla’s and Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted connection to equestrianism and further solidifies AlUla’s position as a top-tier destination for global sports and tourism. We are excited about the future of this iconic event, with ambitious plans already in motion to elevate it to even greater heights in the years to come,” AlSuhaibani added.
Elevating Economic and Cultural Aspirations
Faisal Bin Dowees, CEO of the Saudi Polo Federation, emphasized the tournament’s far-reaching impact: “The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo provides a powerful platform for economic and social development, driving tourism, creating opportunities, and supporting local businesses in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
“The tournament strengthens community pride while positioning the region as a global hub for sports and culture. By celebrating AlUla’s unique heritage and equestrian traditions, this event highlights the transformative potential of sport in unlocking opportunities and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s dynamic future.”
A Jewel in the AlUla Moments Calendar
As a highlight of the prestigious AlUla Moments calendar, the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo stands among a series of world-class events that celebrate the region’s opulent heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Other iconic events include the AlUla Tour professional cycling race, the AlUla Trail Race, and the AlFursan Endurance Cup—each enhancing AlUla’s reputation as an unrivaled year-round luxury destination.
For further details, visit experiencealula.com.
