UAE to host XIII FIP World Polo Championship in December 2026

The UAE officially announced the date of the XIII FIP World Polo Championship set to take place in the country, with 8 teams participating in the Handicap 10-goal during the period between December 6 until December 20, 2026, on the playgrounds of Ghantoot, Al Habtoor, Desert Palm, and Dubai Polo clubs.

Mohammed Al Habtoor, the Chairman of the UAE Polo Federation, extended his sincere congratulations to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for the winning bid to host the World Polo Championship 2026 in the country.

Habtoor stated: “The UAE has always been the pioneer in organizing the biggest championships successfully, whether related to equestrian sports, golf, football, Jujitsu, or other sports.

“UAE won the bid was the result of the collective work of the board of directors since the moment they took charge and until the delegation reached to Argentina.

“The support of the General Sport Authority, the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Sports Councils, and the cooperation of all clubs truly contributed to this success and achievement.”

Habtoor also thanked Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi , Minister of Education of the UAE and Head of the General Sport Authority, for meeting with the UAE Polo Federation board of directors and congratulating them for winning the hosting bid, as well as offering his generous guidance to the board of directors on the plans and programs of the federation.

The date for hosting World Polo Championship was revealed during a press conference hosted by the UAE Polo Federation at in Al Habtoor Group headquarters.

Mohammed Al Habtoor, Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, Mohammed Al Kaabi, representative of the General Authority of Sports, Saeed Bin Drai , Vice-Chairman of the federation, Mohammad Al Huraiz,, Secretary General, and other dignitaries were present at the conference.

Habtoor explained the preparation of the UAE national polo team for an upcoming championship, emphasizing an ambitious plan involving external training in Argentina, England, and Spain to elevate the players’ skills and rankings over the next three years.

Drai, expressed immense joy at the unanimous election of the UAE hosting dossier during a meeting in Buenos Aires with representatives from 45 countries. He extended gratitude to the UAE Embassy in Buenos Aires and the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai for their support during the delegation’s mission.

Highlighting the significance of the championship, Drai noted that it would be the first time held outside Europe and America, marking a historic occasion for the Middle East. He mentioned the last championship in Florida, where the Spain National Team emerged victorious. As the title holders, Spain will join the UAE and six other teams.

Drai added that the Federation of International Polo (FIP) founded in 1985 with 86 member countries, will select the top two teams from each of its four areas through qualifying tournaments over the next two years. A coordination meeting is scheduled for January to form a monitoring committee and allocate tasks.

Hareb commended the UAE Polo Federation for successfully submitting the bid in a short period. He hailed the announcement of hosting the global event, emphasizing the UAE’s status not just for event success but for providing security, safety, and contributing to the economy through tourism, especially due to its robust infrastructure.

Kaabi conveyed greetings and appreciation from high-ranking officials, congratulating the federation on its global achievement. Kaabi highlighted the UAE Polo Federation’s unique connection with Latin American countries, the heartland of polo, and expressed pleasure in contributing to the success of the event, assuring the Genera; Authority of Sports’ full support to ensure its success.