Eight team featuring top players to compete in prestigious IFZA Gold Cup 2023 Dubai Open

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Eight teams featuring top players will compete in the IFZA Gold Cup 2023 Dubai Open.

The prestigious Dubai Open is scheduled to take place from February 15 until March 4 will be played at 20-goal handicap for the first time since its inception in 2009.

At the press conference and live draw conducted at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort hotel, the IFZA Gold Cup 2023 Dubai Open tournament's schedule was formally unveiled. The event welcomed the participation of the teams, sponsors and media.

The Gold Cup is one of the five tournaments of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series (DPGCS) and is recognized and certified by the World Polo Tour (WPT).

It is played under the WPT Championship Cup category which is considered as one of the highest competition in terms of points.

The tournaments under the DPGCS are part of the UAE Polo Federation, follows the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) rules and plays under the provision of its umpires.

This year’s Dubai Open is supported by International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) as the title sponsor; its main sponsor Bentley Emirates; Accenture Investment Group and MAK Engineering Consultancy as co-sponsors: and Diamond Lease, Total Electrical and Mechanical and Hildon.

Mohammed K. Al Habtoor, Vice Chairman & CEO of Al Habtoor Group, Founder of the DPGC Series and patron of Habtoor Polo team was joined by Martin Pedersen – Chairman of IFZA, Joseph Tayar, the General Manager of Bentley Emirates, Mohammad Al Huraiz, Board Member of the UAE Polo Federation, and Santiago Torreguitar, Tournament Director of the UAE Polo Federation.

The CEO & Vice Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, Mohammed Al Habtoor said: "Once again we are proud to announce that the Dubai Polo Gold Cup organization will be hosting the prestigious Gold Cup (Dubai Open) for the 14th consecutive year.

“The tournament will bring together some of the finest polo players from around the world and showcase our love for polo. We look forward to welcoming the players, their families, and the fans to enjoy this thrilling display of athleticism and experience our commitment to advancing the Sport of Kings that made us a source of pride for the UAE.”

Martin Pedersen said, “At IFZA, we believe in the power of sports to bring people together and foster a sense of community. The Dubai Polo Gold Cup is more than a competition; it is a celebration of the diversity and talent that exists within 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 associated with such a prestigious event, and we are committed to making sure that this year's IFZA Dubai Polo Gold Cup will be even more exciting and memorable than ever before.

“As a title sponsor, our participation in this renowned event is a demonstration of our commitment to supporting and advancing excellence in all its manifestations. We pledge to support not only the Gold Cup but also other initiatives that highlight the unique qualities of Dubai and the UAE, and how we dare to live, do business, and thrive differently.”

Participating teams of the IFZA Gold Cup 2023 tournament include:

AM Polo Team (Patron: 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: Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan)

IFZA Habtoor Polo Team (Patron: Mohammed K. Al Habtoor)

Mahra by AIX Investment Group Polo Team (Patron: Tariq Al Habtoor)

UAE Polo Team (Patron: Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum).