Saudi Arabia continues to cement its place on the global map with world-class sporting events across disciplines, and this January, the Kingdom will once again play host to a truly unique sporting spectacle: Desert Polo in AlUla, supported by the luxury watch-maker, Richard Mille.
Slated to take place from January 16 to 18, 2025, the event is a highlight of the Winter at Tantora Festival and promises a breathtaking blend of high-level competition, stunning landscapes, and cultural allure.
Desert Polo in AlUla
Organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla in collaboration with the Saudi Polo Federation, Desert Polo is set against the extraordinary natural and historical backdrop of AlUla. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its dramatic sandstone formations and the ancient Nabataean city of Hegra, provides an unparalleled setting that elevates the sport to a new level of grandeur.
Richard Mille, the luxury Swiss watchmaker, serves as the official timekeeper of the event, bringing prestige and precision to the proceedings. Among the notable participants is Pablo Mac Donough, a brand ambassador for Richard Mille and one of the most celebrated players in the world. Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mac Donough boasts a glittering career that includes wins at the Argentine Open, British Open, Hurlingham Open, and Tortugas Open. Known for his skill and agility, he holds more than 10 goals in polo, solidifying his place as a global icon of the sport.
Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA, expressed the brand’s excitement about the event: “We are proud to be part of this significant event and to support the continuous development of polo in Saudi Arabia. The AlUla region provides the perfect natural stage to witness some of the greatest polo stars on the planet in action.”
A Cultural Experience
Desert Polo isn’t just a sporting event — it’s a cultural and sensory experience.
Players, spectators, and visitors are immersed in the vast beauty of the desert, where polo matches unfold under the golden light of AlUla’s towering cliffs and expansive skies. The event attracts an elite crowd, with previous AlUla sporting occasions welcoming global stars, including Hollywood’s Will Smith, who attended the AlUla Camel Cup in 2023.
The event underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to blending heritage with modernity. Polo, often regarded as the “sport of kings,” takes on a unique identity here, with the sweeping desert landscape and ancient historical sites adding a layer of mystique and charm.
Winter at Tantora
For visitors planning to attend Desert Polo, the event is just one of many reasons to explore AlUla.
The Winter at Tantora Festival offers a lineup of cultural, artistic, and athletic activities. Winter at Tantora runs from December 19 through to January 11 2025, but there are a selection of events taking place this month as part of the AlUla Ancient Kingdoms Festival, serving as a warm up to the winter calendar.
During the day, visitors can explore the stunning landscapes of AlUla, hike through ancient valleys, or soar through the skies in a hot air balloon. As the sun sets, the festival comes alive with a dazzling array of events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural performances.
Click here for all the exciting events of Winter at Tantora.
Richard Mille Desert Polo in AlUla
January 16 to 18, 2025
@alulamoments @experiencealula @richardmille
