Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge Celebrates its Tenth Anniversary

Under the patronage and in the presence of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge was held at Desert Palm Resort & Polo Club on Saturday, 21 February.

The event celebrated its 10th edition – even amidst the tumultuous sand storms that ravaged Dubai over the weekend. One of the most prestigious happenings on Dubai’s sporting and social calendar, the event was attended by HRH Prince Abbas bin Ali bin Nayef of Jordan accompanied by his wife, HRH Princess Sima Al Abbas and HRH Princess Yasmine Bint Asem bin Nayef, Marques of Blandford George Spencer-Churchill, Ambassador of La Martina, American socialite Olivia Palermo and Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama, amongst other celebrities, socialites, and of course some of the most recognised polo players in the world.

In a thrilling final, the Desert Palm team featuring Rashid Albwardy and Alan Meeker took the win, defeating the UAE Polo Team patroned by HH Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum 10-4. Unfortunately, the morning’s sandstorm had forced the cancellation of the subsidiary Desert Palm Trophy on pony welfare grounds and so Cartier Red and Abu Dhabi agreed to tie for third place.