The Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge ‘The One To Play In’*

Desert Palm Retreat and Polo Club   February 18 - 22 February 2013

Under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, four pro-am polo teams will compete in the 8th Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge. This prestigious and impressive polo tournament will be held from the 18 - 22 February 2013 at Ali Albwardy's Desert Palm Resort in Dubai.

The Cartier team won the trophy for the first time last year and those winning patrons, Adriano Agosti and Saeed Bin Drai, are hoping to repeat that feat this year. They will face plenty of tough competition though, including CNN team patron Jonathan Munro Ford, who is making his debut here in Dubai this year and comes to this Dubai fresh from success in the world-class Polo World Cup on Snow in St Moritz. Jonathan will co-patron the CNN team alongside Dubai resident and keen polo player Faris Al Yabhouni.

Another new patron for this year is HH Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. A daughter of the Ruler of Dubai, the Sheikha will be playing for the Desert Palm team. Two returning and experienced patrons, Saudi national Amr Zedan and the UK-based Saad Audeh will play under the Emirates NBD team banner This leading bank makes a welcome return to this event as team sponsor, a role they previously held in the event’s early years.   Of course, the patrons will be playing alongside an equally impressive list of professionals, made up of both English and Argentine players.

Every match will be played at Ali Albwardy's beautiful Desert Palm estate, home to one of Dubai’s premier boutique retreats, Desert Palm by Per AQUUM. To ensure that the players’ and ponies’ style is as elegant as their play, La Martina has been reappointed as the Official Team Kit Supplier, while the Porsche Centre Dubai, in its role as Official Car Supplier, will see that both VIPs and players arrive on time. Pommery returns too in 2013, hosting the Pommery Reception after Friday’s finals – always the perfect way to conclude a magnificent tournament.

CARTIER INTERNATIONAL DUBAI POLO CHALLENGE TEAMS 2013

Cartier: Adriano Agosti (CH) 0; Saeed Bin Drai (UAE) 0; Mariana Uranga (ARG) 6; Juan Jose Brane (ARG) 7.

Emirates NBD:  Amr Zedan (KSA) 0; Saad Audeh (JOR) 0; Ignacio Heguy (ARG) 9; Rodolfo Ducos (ARG) 4.

CNN: Faris Al Yabhouni (UAE) 0; Jonathan Munro Ford (AUS) -1; Juan Ambroggio (ARG) 7; Chris Hyde (UK) 6.

Desert Palm:  HH Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum (UAE) 0; Guillermo Healy (1); Martin Valent (ARG) 5; Facundo Castagnola (ARG) 6.