The Subsidiary Final of the Dubai Challenge Cup 2026 delivered a compelling contest as Dubai Wolves by Thera Polo faced RGF Polo in a fiercely competitive encounter. Dubai Wolves maintained relentless pressure throughout the match, supported by a disciplined and resilient defensive line that proved difficult to break. RGF Polo, however, responded with determination, pressing forward repeatedly in search of scoring opportunities. In the fourth chukker, RGF Polo regrouped and raised the intensity, capitalizing on key chances to secure the decisive goals. Their late surge proved decisive, earning them the title of Subsidiary Winners of the Dubai Challenge Cup 2026 and bringing an exciting match to a dramatic conclusion.
Match Progression: RGF Polo vs. Dubai Wolves by Thera
0.5 – 0 | 2.5 – 5.5 | 4.5 – 1 | 5.5 – 2
The Final of the Dubai Challenge Cup featured an exciting showdown between Habtoor Polo and Jehangiri Polo at the Al Habtoor Polo Club. Both teams demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, maintaining a fast pace and high level of intensity throughout the match. Habtoor Polo delivered a cohesive and commanding performance, controlling the flow of the game and creating several key scoring opportunities. Despite Jehangiri Polo’s persistent efforts to challenge and narrow the margin, Habtoor Polo remained composed and consistent from start to finish, ultimately securing a decisive and well-earned victory.
This impressive performance crowned Habtoor Polo as champions of this year’s edition of the Dubai Challenge Cup, marking a memorable conclusion to the tournament.
Match Progression: Habtoor Polo vs. Jehangiri Polo
2 – 2.5 | 4 – 4.5 | 6 – 6.5 | 7– 6.5
Mr. Lukas Tremmel, General Manager of Al Habtoor Polo Club, presented the awards to the day’s standout performers following the final. Marcos Panelo was named Most Valuable Player for his exceptional performance, while Condicion — also ridden by Panelo and owned by Habtoor Polo — earned Best Playing Pony honours, highlighting a remarkable partnership that played a decisive role in the match.
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/