The 9th edition of the Dubai Challenge Cup has officially begun, bringing four teams to the iconic grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Club to compete in this 8–10 goal tournament until 14 March 2026.
The opening match of the Dubai Challenge Cup 2026 delivered a thrilling spectacle as Dubai Wolves by Thera Polo faced Jehangiri Polo in an electrifying showdown. Maintaining relentless pressure, Dubai Wolves showcased a strong defensive line, while Jehangiri Polo responded with determination, fighting hard to break through the defense. In the fourth chukker, Dubai Wolves pushed to close the goal gap, regrouping and raising the intensity. However, Jehangiri Polo held their defensive line and secured the first win of the day.
Match Progression: Dubai Wolves by Thera vs. Jehangiri Polo
1 – 2.5 | 1 – 5.5 | 1 – 5.5 | 3 – 5.5
The second match of the day saw Habtoor Polo face RGF Polo in an exciting contest on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Club. Both teams showed great determination and skill, keeping the pace high and the competition intense throughout the match. Habtoor Polo delivered a strong and coordinated performance, maintaining control of the game and creating key scoring opportunities. Despite RGF Polo’s efforts to challenge and close the gap, Habtoor Polo remained composed and consistent, ultimately securing a well-deserved victory.
It was an impressive win for Habtoor Polo, adding to the excitement of the opening day of the Dubai Challenge Cup.
Match Progression: Habtoor Polo vs. RGF Polo
3 – 1.5 | 6 – 5.5 | 8 – 6.5 | 10 – 7.5
CO SPONSOR
Accenture Investment Group (AIG) is a privately owned, hospitality company with more than 300 employees. The company manages a portfolio of hospitality brands across the United Arab Emirates, and provide investor and hospitality career opportunities to our partners and associates.
MEDIA PARTNERS
POLO LINE TV
PLTV is the first online streaming polo site, broadcasting over 25 tournaments LIVE per year around the globe, reaching +200k viewers. The production and edition of exclusive content makes PLTV the most comprehensive polo channel in the world.
Website: https://www.pololine.tv/
Al Badia
Since 2008, Al Badia, the prestigious Arabic venture is devoted to bringing the latest news and views on the equestrian world, Polo sporting and lifestyle. In fact, it is a tribute to the age-old passion for the thoroughbred, an integral part of the rich Arabian culture.
Al Badia focuses a gamut of information on the highly valued sport of horseracing, including information about events taking place in the Arab world and about organizations and services sought by equestrians of all disciplines. Besides being a specialized lifestyle magazine to meet the refined taste of the equestrian community, it features a wide range of information including very exclusive coverages like interviews of the Sheikhs and the who’s who of the Arab world. It targets the crème de la crème of the society and is widely circulated across different regions of the Gulf & Middle East.
Al Badia is a good platform to showcase premium brands, as it has a wide readership comprising sports enthusiasts, socialites, eminent personalities, celebrities and the royalty.
Website: http://albadiamagazine.com/
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Dubai Sports Council:
Dubai Sports Council is the official government body responsible for the development of the sport sector in the Emirate of Dubai. Under the Chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and its 14 Board Members; the Council supervises the work of nine local clubs in Dubai, six of which practice a variety of individual and or team sports, such as football, handball and archery; in addition to the chess club and a club devoted for those with special needs.
Since its inception in 2006, with the vision of creating a unique sporting community, the Council organizes various annual major Sports Championships and Conferences, in cooperation with multiple International/National sports bodies and Dubai Government Entities, such as the Dubai International Sports Conference, Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup and the FINA Diving World Series; in an attempt to enhance the culture, knowledge and expertise of professionalism in all aspects of the field; from the overall preparation and/or execution of the event.
Dubai became the first Arab and Middle East city to host the Sport Accord International Convention in 2010, and stages the annual Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award, the most prestigious Award of the Middle East Region. Though the Council works on various major international sports events, it does not overlook the importance of spreading the awareness of a healthier, more active lifestyle locally; and in order to achieve such objectives, physical activity programs and initiatives, such as the Dubai Pulse Physical Activity program, the Furjan District Championships and the Dubai Beach Soccer League, have all been designed to target the various communities within the Emirate.
Website: www.dsc.ae
UAE Polo Federation
The UAE Polo Federation is the official governing body of the sport of polo in the United Arab Emirates. The association has been organized to promote the game of polo with the goal of improving the sport, coordinating the activities of its affiliated clubs and registered players and providing rules, handicaps and conditions for those tournaments, competitions, including the safety of participants.
Website: www.uaepolofederation.com/