• The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2022 got under way in the Saudi Arabia's north-western city. All photos: AFP
    The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2022 got under way in the Saudi Arabia's north-western city. All photos: AFP
  • It is the first modern polo tournament in the world to be staged in the desert.
    It is the first modern polo tournament in the world to be staged in the desert.
  • The event brought together polo patrons and professionals from around the world.
    The event brought together polo patrons and professionals from around the world.
  • French entrepreneur and polo player Jean-Francois Decaux, right, takes part in the tournament.
    French entrepreneur and polo player Jean-Francois Decaux, right, takes part in the tournament.
  • Four teams took part in the tournament in a specially designed arena.
    Four teams took part in the tournament in a specially designed arena.
  • Women riders also showed their skills.
    Women riders also showed their skills.
  • A handout picture released by the AlUla Desert Polo 2022 on February 11, 2022, shows a woman rider showing her skills ahead of a polo tournament held in Saudi Arabia's northwestern city of al-Ula, with a backdrop of the ancient city's carved rock formations. - This unique event is the only modern polo tournament in the world to be staged in a desert environment. Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo will see four teams clash in a specially-designed arena in an epic tournament weekend. Featured members include those of the world-famous La Dolfina polo outfit from Argentina. Each leading a team, ten goalers Adolfo Cambiaso, Pelon Stirling and Pablo Mac Donough, as well as six-goal player and the face of Ralph Lauren Black, Nacho Figueras go head-to-head. (Photo by Iman Al-Dabbagh / AlUla Desert Polo 2022 / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO /ALULA DESERT POLO 2022 " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
    A handout picture released by the AlUla Desert Polo 2022 on February 11, 2022, shows a woman rider showing her skills ahead of a polo tournament held in Saudi Arabia's northwestern city of al-Ula, with a backdrop of the ancient city's carved rock formations. - This unique event is the only modern polo tournament in the world to be staged in a desert environment. Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo will see four teams clash in a specially-designed arena in an epic tournament weekend. Featured members include those of the world-famous La Dolfina polo outfit from Argentina. Each leading a team, ten goalers Adolfo Cambiaso, Pelon Stirling and Pablo Mac Donough, as well as six-goal player and the face of Ralph Lauren Black, Nacho Figueras go head-to-head. (Photo by Iman Al-Dabbagh / AlUla Desert Polo 2022 / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO /ALULA DESERT POLO 2022 " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
  • Spectators had a great time watching players show their talent.
    Spectators had a great time watching players show their talent.
  • Members of the Saudi polo team celebrate with their trophy.
    Members of the Saudi polo team celebrate with their trophy.

Saudi Arabia to build on equestrian legacy after world's only desert polo tournament


  • English
  • Arabic

After the roaring success of two polo tournaments this year, Saudi Arabia is looking for other ways to solidify the presence of equestrian events in the kingdom.

The second edition of Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo — the only modern polo tournament in the world to be staged in a desert environment — took place on February 11 at AlUla, Saudi Arabia’s first Unesco World Heritage Site. It formed part of the Royal Commission for AlUla’s commitment to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s cultural relationship with art and its horsemanship heritage.

Twelve players from four teams faced off over the two-day event, a mixture of professionals and invitees.

There is a long-standing connection between equine culture and AlUla’s heritage, the Director of Special Initiatives at the Royal Commission for AlUla, AbdulRahman Alsuwaidan tells The National. The commission is working on “connecting and preserving” this legacy.

Last month, AlUla hosted two major equestrian events — The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup 2022 and the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo. Mr Alsuwaidan said these world class events are part of a larger, long-term commitment to develop the equestrian sector to the highest global standards with the view to making AlUla an international destination for equestrian sport and tourism.

Polo is a new sport in the kingdom, but the kingdom has experience of bringing in big international sporting events, such as F1, boxing, football games, among other events. Known as the “sport of kings” the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo invited 18-year-old Saudi Prince Salman bin Mansour Al Saud to participate at the event. The award winning “Polo Prince” won the Most Promising Talent award.

Mr Alsuwaidan said the Royal Commission of AlUla plans to work closely with authorities and sports federations in relation to the equine industry.

“Our aim is to create a sustainable economic sector covering three main pillars which are develop human capabilities and partner with key organisations and industry players, introducing and applying the best policies and standards for equine facilities and activities and developing priority equine facilities and infrastructure,” he said.

In line with this ambition, he said, the kingdom hopes to host the FEI Endurance World Championships.

“With that, there would be a great opportunity across many areas for the local economy in AlUla. It’s a new era for sport in the kingdom, and to stage such an event would require a stellar infrastructure.

"That is why a lot of our core objectives at present are focused on best practice in terms of animal welfare and all-round competition organisation. With our infrastructure, the sports and leisure experiences for horse lovers, we are focusing on delivering opportunities to the local communities, creating skilled jobs for people which no doubt will be at the centre of developing AlUla as a must-visit destination.”

  • Saudi Arabia's Prince Salman Bin Mansour was among the competitors in the AlUla Desert Polo event, the only modern polo tournament to be staged in a desert environment. All photos: AFP
    Saudi Arabia's Prince Salman Bin Mansour was among the competitors in the AlUla Desert Polo event, the only modern polo tournament to be staged in a desert environment. All photos: AFP
  • Four teams took part in the event in Saudi Arabia's north-western city of AlUla.
    Four teams took part in the event in Saudi Arabia's north-western city of AlUla.
  • Prince Salman Bin Mansour, left, and Saudi scientist Hosam Zawawi on their horses.
    Prince Salman Bin Mansour, left, and Saudi scientist Hosam Zawawi on their horses.
  • Hosam Zawawi competes in the tournament, which was returning after a two-year coronavirus hiatus.
    Hosam Zawawi competes in the tournament, which was returning after a two-year coronavirus hiatus.
  • A chukka takes place against the spectacular mountain backdrop of AlUla.
    A chukka takes place against the spectacular mountain backdrop of AlUla.
  • Spectators enjoy the action at the Unesco world heritage site.
    Spectators enjoy the action at the Unesco world heritage site.
  • There were four matches in the specially designed arena.
    There were four matches in the specially designed arena.
  • Members of the AlUla polo team celebrate their victory in the tournament.
    Members of the AlUla polo team celebrate their victory in the tournament.
  • French entrepreneur Jean-Francois Decaux was among the invited competitors.
    French entrepreneur Jean-Francois Decaux was among the invited competitors.
  • Uruguayan player David Stirling Jr prepares to take part in a match.
    Uruguayan player David Stirling Jr prepares to take part in a match.
  • Jean-Francois Decaux, right, in the thick of the action.
    Jean-Francois Decaux, right, in the thick of the action.
  • Teams competing in the arena specially built for the event.
    Teams competing in the arena specially built for the event.
  • David Stirling on his mount ready for a match in the desert of AlUla.
    David Stirling on his mount ready for a match in the desert of AlUla.
  • A team talk for Prince Salman Bin Mansour, left, and Hosam Zawawi.
    A team talk for Prince Salman Bin Mansour, left, and Hosam Zawawi.

The equestrian sector is a key pillar of the RCU's longer-term strategy, highlighting the monumental beauty of AlUla as a place that is unique in the Arabian Peninsula.

He said polo has undergone a major transformation globally as participation among women in polo has increased and “women have taken on more active and prominent positions in the sport".

“There is so much talent in the kingdom, and our aim is to increase participation and inspire the next generation of athletes,” he added.

The Saudi Polo Federation intends to continue to work to increase the profile and interest in desert polo and in the AlUla Desert Polo event, he said.

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Don't get fined

The UAE FTA requires following to be kept:

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How tumultuous protests grew
  • A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
  • Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved 
  • Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
  • At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
  • Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars 
  • Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
  • An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital 
Five expert hiking tips
    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you

At Eternity’s Gate

Director: Julian Schnabel

Starring: Willem Dafoe, Oscar Isaacs, Mads Mikkelsen

Three stars

The Transfiguration

Director: Michael O’Shea

Starring: Eric Ruffin, Chloe Levine

Three stars

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

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You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

Play-off fixtures

Two-legged ties to be played November 9-11 and November 12-14

 

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The Bio

Amal likes watching Japanese animation movies and Manga - her favourite is The Ancient Magus Bride

She is the eldest of 11 children, and has four brothers and six sisters.

Her dream is to meet with all of her friends online from around the world who supported her work throughout the years

Her favourite meal is pizza and stuffed vine leaves

She ams to improve her English and learn Japanese, which many animated programmes originate in

Basquiat in Abu Dhabi

One of Basquiat’s paintings, the vibrant Cabra (1981–82), now hangs in Louvre Abu Dhabi temporarily, on loan from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. 

The latter museum is not open physically, but has assembled a collection and puts together a series of events called Talking Art, such as this discussion, moderated by writer Chaedria LaBouvier. 

It's something of a Basquiat season in Abu Dhabi at the moment. Last week, The Radiant Child, a documentary on Basquiat was shown at Manarat Al Saadiyat, and tonight (April 18) the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is throwing the re-creation of a party tonight, of the legendary Canal Zone party thrown in 1979, which epitomised the collaborative scene of the time. It was at Canal Zone that Basquiat met prominent members of the art world and moved from unknown graffiti artist into someone in the spotlight.  

“We’ve invited local resident arists, we’ll have spray cans at the ready,” says curator Maisa Al Qassemi of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. 

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's Canal Zone Remix is at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Thursday April 18, from 8pm. Free entry to all. Basquiat's Cabra is on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until October

Company%C2%A0profile
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Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

LIVING IN...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Bangladesh tour of Pakistan

January 24 – First T20, Lahore

January 25 – Second T20, Lahore

January 27 – Third T20, Lahore

February 7-11 – First Test, Rawalpindi

April 3 – One-off ODI, Karachi

April 5-9 – Second Test, Karachi

THE BIO

Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979

Education: UAE University, Al Ain

Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6

Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma

Favourite book: Science and geology

Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC

Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.

Zodi%20%26%20Tehu%3A%20Princes%20Of%20The%20Desert
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
​​​​​​​Penguin Press

The specs

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Get Out

Director: Jordan Peele

Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford

Four stars

UAE players with central contracts

Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Rameez Shahzad, Shaiman Anwar, Adnan Mufti, Mohammed Usman, Ghulam Shabbir, Ahmed Raza, Qadeer Ahmed, Amir Hayat, Mohammed Naveed and Imran Haider.

ESSENTIALS

The flights 
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes. 
Where to stay 
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.

Company profile

Name: Tharb

Started: December 2016

Founder: Eisa Alsubousi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: Luxury leather goods

Initial investment: Dh150,000 from personal savings

 

Going grey? A stylist's advice

If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”

INFO

What: DP World Tour Championship
When: November 21-24
Where: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae.

The Energy Research Centre

Founded 50 years ago as a nuclear research institute, scientists at the centre believed nuclear would be the “solution for everything”.
Although they still do, they discovered in 1955 that the Netherlands had a lot of natural gas. “We still had the idea that, by 2000, it would all be nuclear,” said Harm Jeeninga, director of business and programme development at the centre.
"In the 1990s, we found out about global warming so we focused on energy savings and tackling the greenhouse gas effect.”
The energy centre’s research focuses on biomass, energy efficiency, the environment, wind and solar, as well as energy engineering and socio-economic research.

How to apply for a drone permit
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Top Hundred overseas picks

London Spirit: Kieron Pollard, Riley Meredith 

Welsh Fire: Adam Zampa, David Miller, Naseem Shah 

Manchester Originals: Andre Russell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sean Abbott

Northern Superchargers: Dwayne Bravo, Wahab Riaz

Oval Invincibles: Sunil Narine, Rilee Rossouw

Trent Rockets: Colin Munro

Birmingham Phoenix: Matthew Wade, Kane Richardson

Southern Brave: Quinton de Kock

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha

Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar

Director: Neeraj Pandey

Rating: 2.5/5

Updated: February 22, 2022, 3:15 AM