Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette





JEDDAH — Julius Baer Beach Polo Cup 2014 celebrated its 10th year on a high note this month. The event was held on April 11 and 12 at the Skydive Dubai Complex, Dubai Marina. Supported by the Dubai Sports Council, the high profile event also saw Tyrese Gibson and Michelle Rodriguez of Fast & Furious fame. After two consecutive days, team VistaJet Bombardier with Mohammed Al Habtoor, his son Habtoor Al Habtoor and Guillermo Cuitino won the final against the team sponsored by Julius Baer. This was achieved by Rashid Al Habtoor, Khalaf Al Habtoor and Juan Cruz Guevara with a 8-4 victory.



“The big plan is in 2016. We want to host the World Cup in Dubai,” said Sam Katiela, managing director of mamemo production, ahead of the two-day event that will be held on April 11 and 12 at the Skydive Dubai Complex, Dubai Marina.



The organisers are trying to get six teams for the Dubai event from next year. "But it involves lot of things. We will be talking to players during the event. Adding teams means more matches and additional responsibility, so we need to work on the logistics and then decide," said Katiela. He said over the last decade this concept has really put Dubai and the UAE on the top of polo world map. "We have been able to stage a world-class event, organised, managed and created by companies in the UAE and this is a formula which has been transported all over the world. We feel that this special 10th anniversary celebration of Beach Polo really does justice to the popular concept and we’d like to thank everyone involved in making this weekend possible.”



He said what started as a fun sport is now being played in over 30 cities across the world. "We are supporting this sport as much as possible to make it popular. This is a big moment for us. This year’s beach polo venue has been purpose-built to offer our guests a unique polo experience. We will have a grand opening ceremony with the help of Skydive Dubai and music and big symphony of lights and fireworks," he added.