Event held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai

Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, today announced that its Wealth Management Division would serve as main sponsor for the upcoming 2014 Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series, an annual event held in Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series is the fourth-largest tournament of its kind behind Argentina, the US and the UK. To be held for the fifth year in a row, the event will take place at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club at the Arabian Ranches in Dubai. The series is split into two tournaments beginning with the Silver Cup to be held from February 1 -15, while the Gold Cup will be held from February 24 – March 15, 2014.

“The Wealth Management Division is pleased to be the headline sponsor for the fifth Dubai Polo Gold Cup, as this is in line with our commitment to support important sports activities that are of interest to our clients,” said Saif Al Mansoori, Deputy Head – Group Marketing and Branding, Emirates NBD. “Events such as this represent an excellent social setting for our clients to meet and network, while providing us with a platform that enables us to remain close to our customers. As a leading wealth management specialist in the region, we look after the financial needs of diverse clients from a variety of professional backgrounds.  We see this as an ideal opportunity to demonstrate our support for our valued clientele, many of whom are keenly interested in this high profile sport.”

“We are honoured to have on board a prominent UAE financial institution such Emirates NBD as our main partner for this event, as this is in keeping with the high profile reputation that the event has acquired in the last five years,” said Mohammed K. Al Habtoor, Chairman of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. “As one of the most prestigious events on the international polo calendar, the Gold Cup has also been instrumental in establishing Dubai Polo firmly at the forefront of the International polo scene.”

First founded in 2009, the Dubai Polo Gold Cup is the premier regional polo competition of the year, and attracts some of the leading VIPs, society figures, and senior corporate executives from across the GCC. The tournament has grown in tandem with the city of Dubai and in 2012, the Dubai Gold Cup Series was recognized by the World Polo Tour (WPT). Played under the banner of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), the Gold Cup is being played according to HPA rules and the provision of umpires will be managed under strict international supervision by the HPA.

A total of nine teams will participate in the renowned event, including three new entries this year – the UAE Polo Team, in which the patron is HRH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Desert Palm 1 and 2, owned by Ali Al Bawardy. In addition, HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Patron of Ghantoot Polo, will return to the ‘Sport for kings.’ Sheikh Falah has had a break from the sport for several years, but in 2014 he will mark his comeback in the Dubai Gold Cup Series.