
Pierro Delier, President of the International Polo Federation, visited the polo grounds at the Nofa Equestrian Resort in Riyadh on Tuesday. Accompanied by Hashim Al-Alawi, Board Member and Head of the Technical Committee of the Saudi Polo Federation, Delier toured the facilities and reviewed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to host major global polo tournaments.
During his visit, Delier inspected the federation’s facilities, including grass polo fields and the “Arena” polo ground, to ensure they meet international standards. He also engaged in discussions with Al-Alawi about the Polo Academy’s specialized training programs and its role in organizing local competitions. The academy features world-class stabling and equine care facilities.
The International Polo Federation President expressed his admiration for the resort’s high-caliber amenities, including the polo field stands and nearby hotels, describing them as pivotal for positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for hosting world-class polo championships.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Role in Polo
The International Polo Federation recently endorsed Saudi Arabia’s polo fields, following the successful hosting of the “Richard Mille Desert Polo Tournament” from January 17-18, 2025. Delier was present at the event, which underscored the country’s growing prominence in the sport.
Amr Zedan, Chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation, highlighted the readiness of the “Village of Horsemen” to welcome top players and teams, noting the continued growth of polo across the Kingdom. Now in its fourth edition, the tournament has seen significant advancements with each iteration, complemented by entertainment activities for spectators.
Star-Studded Participation
The tournament featured six teams: AlUla, Richard Mille, Dadan, Budget, Bentley, and Akhma. Matches were held in the Village of Horsemen, with teams divided into two groups. Group A included AlUla, Dadan, and Akhma, while Group B comprised Bentley, Budget, and Richard Mille.
Among the prominent participants was Adolfo Cambiaso, widely regarded as the greatest polo player in history. Saudi royals also joined the action, including Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Salman Al Saud and Prince Sultan bin Khaled Al Faisal, alongside Prince Abbas bin Ali and Prince Hamza bin Abbas.
The Richard Mille Polo Team ultimately claimed the 2025 Desert Polo Championship, defeating Team Akhma 8-6 in the final match at the Village of Horsemen in AlUla.
The event’s success further cements Saudi Arabia’s rising stature in the international polo scene, paving the way for future high-profile competitions in the Kingdom.