This year, the Tournament of Champions features eight teams competing for the prestigious trophy. The Gold Cup is one of the five tournaments in the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series (DPGCS) and is recognized and certified by the World Polo Tour (WPT). It is played in the WPT Championship Cup category, which is considered to be one of the highest-scoring competitions.
The tournaments under the DPGCS are part of the UAE Polo Federation, follow the rules of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) and play under the provision of their umpires.
This year’s Dubai Open is supported by the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) as title sponsor; its main sponsor Bentley Emirates; Accenture Investment Group and MAK Engineering Consultancy as co-sponsors, as well as Diamond Lease, Total Electrical and Mechanical and Hildon.
Mohammed K. Al Habtoor, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al Habtoor Group, Founder of the DPGC Series and Patron of the Habtoor Polo Team, was joined by Martin Pedersen – Chairman of IFZA, Joseph Tayar, Bentley Emirates General Manager Mohammad Al Huraiz, UAE Polo Federation Board Member and Santiago Torreguitar, UAE Polo Federation Tournament Director.
Al Habtoor Group CEO and Vice Chairman Mohammed Al Habtoor said: “We are once again proud to announce that the Dubai Polo Gold Cup organization is hosting the prestigious Gold Cup (Dubai Open) for the 14th consecutive year becomes. The tournament brings together some of the best polo players from around the world and showcases our love for polo.
“We look forward to welcoming the players, their families and the fans to enjoy this exciting sporting spirit and to witness our commitment to promoting the Sport of Kings which has made us a source of pride for the United Arab Emirates has.”
Martin Pedersen said: “At IFZA we believe in the power of sport to bring people together and foster a sense of community. The Dubai Polo Gold Cup is more than a competition; It’s a celebration of the diversity and talent that exists in the UAE.
“We are proud to be part of this community that celebrates the spirit of competition, partnership and camaraderie – a spirit that IFZA shares and embodies.
“It is truly a privilege for us to be involved in such a prestigious event and we are committed to making this year’s IFZA Dubai Polo Gold Cup even more exciting and memorable than ever.
“As title sponsor, our participation in this prestigious event is a testament to our commitment to supporting and driving excellence in all its manifestations. We are committed to supporting not only the Gold Cup, but other initiatives that highlight the unique qualities of Dubai and the UAE and how we dare to live, do business and thrive differently.”
The participating teams of the IFZA Gold Cup 2023 tournament include:
AM Polo Team (Patron: Her Highness Sheikha Alya Al Maktoum)
Bangash Dodson & Horrell Polo Team (Patron: Haider Bangash)
Clinova Noa Capital Polo Team (Patron: Raja Karim)
Dubai Wolves by Cafu Polo Team (Patron: Habtoor Al Habtoor)
Ghantoot Polo Team (Patron: His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan)
IFZA Habtoor Polo Team (Patron: Mohammed K. Al Habtoor)
Mahra from AIX Investment Group Polo Team (Patron: Tariq Al Habtoor)
UAE Polo Team (Patron: Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum)
