Polo, the high-class horseback game originating in Iran, isn’t simply a game in Dubai, it’s a way of life.
The Sport of the Kings, as it has previously been known, attracts a well-to-do crowd from across the city, who are keen on sports which offer substance and style. Once used as a primary method of training cavalry, polo now symbolises the lavish lifestyle Dubai’s elite have become accustomed to.
The city offers polo aplenty, and for those wishing to experience the allure of one of the world’s oldest equestrian sports, there are some serious options to consider.
Al Habtoor Polo Club
With four world-class polo fields, Al Habtoor caters to all levels of players. A stone’s throw from Al Barari, the club offers lessons for the uninitiated polo player, whilst also providing player coaching, corporate days, and even tournament horse hire for the more serious players out there.
Dubai polo clubs supply exclusivity in abundance, but Al Habtoor presents membership options like no other. New members, selected by their dedication to the game, are provided with unique access to top-ranked polo players, hundreds of stables, as well as the five-star Al Habtoor Polo Resort, inspired by timeless Andalusian elegance. The facility even has access to electric car charging facilities, showing their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Memberships for singles come in at AED 52,945 per year, however, the couples package offers a touch more value at AED 67,725. The club also presents Junior memberships at AED 33,080, in addition to Academy Membership at just AED 10,500, making Al Habtoor one of the best polo clubs in Dubai at which to sharpen your game.
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
A convenient choice for those based around Jumeirah Golf Estates, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, and surrounding areas, this establishment provides both individual and group lessons for all ages. Small group sizes ensure an abundance of one-on-one attention, with prices starting from AED 450 per lesson (with your own horse) for adults. Individual lessons begin at AED 495.
Memberships are also on offer, with prices available upon request, but what makes Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club stand out are the sponsorship opportunities on offer. The club works closely with clients who may wish to align themselves or their brand with the sport in order to elevate themselves to the opulence associated with the game.
There are plenty of other services on display at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, including the spa – perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation – as well as a leisure membership boasting modern gym facilities and even a temperature-controlled swimming pool. One of the stand-out options for families, the club also offers baby sensory classes, as well as karate lessons for children.
The iconic National Day Cup in December is an unmissable event, with the End of Season Cup stealing the highlight before summer takes over at the end of April.
Desert Palm Polo Club
A high-end facility known to bring much peace and tranquility among the rapid pace of big city life, Desert Palm Polo Club is a utopian hideaway in the dunes, enveloped by immaculate playing fields which have become home to some of the highest quality polo played in the entire country.
The self-proclaimed “epicentre” of polo in the UAE, the club provides world-class equestrian facilities in addition to its classy polo amenities. Lessons are available, as well as a fantastic choice of livery to make sure your horse stands out, whilst the centre is also equipped with a 24-hour equine care centre complete with on-site veterinarians.
What really sets Desert Palm apart from its competitors, however, is its exclusive Media Desert Palm Hotel, as well as the remarkable Desert Palm Residences, where indulgence comes as standard. Both offer extraordinary facilities, including thoughtfully designed living spaces and a family-friendly community, making Desert Palm Polo Club an industry leader in the polo space.
Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club
This prime sports facility offers something the others cannot: the chance for Dubai’s high-class residents to rub shoulders with Royalty.
Ghantoot, founded in 1994 by the late HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, serves as the only Royal polo facility in the country and is regularly used to entertain guests of the ruling family.
Located on the way to Abu Dhabi, the club boasts 300 hectares of manicured grassland, which is home to no fewer than eight polo fields. With stables aplenty, Ghantoot can also easily accommodate 2,000 spectators in its state-of-the-art grandstand, complete with media facilities and even a business centre.
The clubhouse harks back to a bygone era, with its resplendent colonial style offering excellent views of the playing fields, as well as an extravagant swimming pool to cool off in following a long day’s play. Club membership is available with team prices beginning at a fresh AED 100,000 per year, and individual fees coming in at AED 32,000 as well as mating facilities for the avid breeder.
Over the years, Ghantoot has played host to an array of world leaders, members of other Royal houses, along with business leaders by the dozen. So, if it’s opulence you seek, there surely is no better choice than Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club.
With the development of Dubai as one of the frontrunners in global luxury, it is certainly safe to say that polo clubs in Dubai will continue to flourish. Combining high-class opulence with refined leisure, these clubs are only going to get bigger and better as the city continues to position itself as the number one player in all things extravagant.
