U.S. Polo Assn. has returned as the Official Apparel and Jersey Sponsor for the 2026 Dubai Polo Gold Cup, marking its third consecutive year supporting this prestigious event. The tournament took place from January 28 to February 14 at the renowned Al Habtoor Polo Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
During this year’s event, U.S. Polo Assn. provided custom performance jerseys for participating teams, apparel for event staff, and exclusive player prizes for the finalists. A highlight for spectators was a cap giveaway during the traditional divot stomp, creating an engaging atmosphere throughout the two-week competition.
The final match showcased an exhilarating clash between the Dubai Wolves by Thera and the reigning champions, UAE Polo Team. The Dubai Wolves triumphed with a score of 11-8, securing the coveted trophy. Team members included Habtoor Al Habtoor, César Crespo, Félix Esain, and Santiago Laborde for the Dubai Wolves, while the UAE team featured Her Highness Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Salvador Jauretche, Lucas Monteverde Jr., and Rosendo Torreguitar.
Félix Esain’s outstanding performance earned him the title of Most Valuable Player, while his mount, Only Caravina, was awarded Best Playing Pony, underscoring the high level of competition present at the tournament.
J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, expressed the significance of the partnership, stating, “U.S. Polo Assn.’s continued partnership with the Dubai Polo Gold Cup as the Official Apparel and Jersey Sponsor reflects who we are as a global sports brand.” He emphasized that supporting the UAE’s premier high-goal tournament allows the brand to engage directly with a thriving polo community in a key growth market.
Dubai has emerged as a major hub for polo in the Middle East, making it a strategic market for U.S. Polo Assn. The brand is actively expanding its retail presence across the UAE, with plans for additional store openings in the near future. This alignment with the Dubai Polo Gold Cup reinforces U.S. Polo Assn.’s dedication to the sport and enhances consumer engagement in an important global market.
The Dubai Polo Gold Cup, founded in 2009 by Mohammed Al Habtoor under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, has evolved into the UAE’s premier high-goal polo tournament. Hosted annually at Al Habtoor Polo Club, it attracts elite players, distinguished guests, and global sports enthusiasts, solidifying its position on the region’s international sports calendar.
The event successfully combined world-class competition with Dubai’s renowned hospitality, providing guests with an immersive experience that reflected the elegance and vibrancy of the UAE.
About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global, U.S. Polo Assn. serves as the official sports brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and players in the U.S., established in 1890 and based in Wellington, Florida.
With a significant global footprint and distribution through over 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, along with thousands of other distribution points, the brand offers a wide range of apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries. U.S. Polo Assn. sponsors major polo events worldwide, including the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, which is the premier polo tournament in the United States.
The brand’s partnerships with major broadcasters such as ESPN, TNT, Eurosport, and Star Sports have brought premier polo championships to millions of sports fans worldwide. U.S. Polo Assn. is consistently recognized as one of the top global sports licensors, alongside the NFL, PGA Tour, and Formula 1, and has received international acclaim for its growth and achievements.
This successful trajectory has led to features in prominent media outlets, including Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ, alongside coverage on platforms like Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, showcasing the brand’s impressive global reach and impact.
