Tomorrow, Saturday, all eyes will be on the polo and equestrian fields of Al Habtoor Polo & Riding Club, where Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will lead the UAE team in the final of the 2026 Dubai Gold Cup against the Dubai Wolves Thira team. The UAE and Dubai Wolves Thira reached the final after a successful run in a high-handicap tournament (20-goal handicap). UAE Polo Federation Chairman Mohammed Khalifa Al Habtoor confirmed that the six participating teams presented advanced levels that reflect the rising performance year after year, noting that both the UAE and Dubai Wolves Thira deserved to reach the final after strong performances and highly skilled players tipped the scales in their favor. The finale will transform into a complete sports and entertainment carnival, combining polo, music, acrobatics and fashion shows, family and children's competitions, along with laser and fireworks shows, in a celebratory atmosphere meticulously prepared by the organizing committee, while the sponsor presents a program extending until midnight. Tomorrow's program also includes a consolation cup match between the Al Habtoor and Gentot teams before the anticipated title match. On another note, the curtain was drawn on a successful polo season at a closing ceremony organized by Al Habtoor Polo & Riding Club at Al Habtoor Palace Hotel, in the presence of official and sports figures led by Dubai Sports Council Secretary General Saeed Harib, UAE Polo Federation Chairman Mohammed Khalifa Al Habtoor, and the Federation's Secretary General Mohammed Al Hariz Al Mar, along with horse owners, polo and equestrian stars, and honorees. The ceremony honored 28 distinguished personalities, teams, and sponsor companies from the past season in a gala evening preceding the holy month of Ramadan, reflecting the scale of artistic and organizational successes achieved, and cementing the country's position on the regional and international polo map. Mohammed Khalifa Al Habtoor expressed his satisfaction with the fruitful outcomes of the season, confirming that these successes enhance the UAE's chances of hosting the 2026 Polo World Cup. Al Habtoor also thanked His Highness Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Gentot Polo & Equestrian Club, Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Head of the UAE Team, and Sheikha Alia Al Maktoum, appreciating their continuous support for polo, alongside the country's clubs and friendly teams whose participation contributed to doubling the season's gains. He stressed that the Federation and clubs are keen to support promising talents of national players, whether in polo or equestrian sports, confirming that the ceremony was the culmination of an exceptional season full of achievements.
