Dubai: The organising committee of the Dubai Gold Cup Polo Tournament 2026 has announced the participation of six teams in the 17th edition of the Dubai Gold Cup. The tournament will take place from 30th January to 14th February at the Al Habtoor Polo and Equestrian Resort, featuring a 20-goal handicap.
According to Emirates News Agency, the participating teams have been divided into two groups. Group One includes Al Habtoor, the champions of the Dubai Silver Cup 2026, along with Bangash and Dubai Wolves. Group Two features UAE, Ghantoot, and Jehangiri.
The tournament will commence with the first round, where each team will play three matches against teams from the opposite group. The top four teams in the standings will advance to the semifinals, with the first place team playing the fourth and the second facing the third. The two winners from the semifinals will move on to the final.
The announcement of the tournament was made during a press conference held at the tournament venue to conduct the official draw. The draw resulted in an opening match between Team UAE, led by H.H. Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Bangash Team, led by Haider Bangash.
Saeed bin Drai expressed his appreciation for all the efforts that have contributed to the launch of the Dubai Gold Cup Polo and reaching its 17th edition. He highlighted that this level of organisation and readiness is due to strong cooperation among all concerned parties.
He also noted that the tournament reflects an integrated system working as one team, which is evident in its organisational and technical standards that align with international benchmarks.
Issa Sharif Al Marzouqi confirmed that the launch of the Dubai Gold Cup Polo 2026 underscores Dubai’s leading position in hosting major international sporting events. He expressed pride in the partnership with the organising bodies to deliver an event of this prestige.