Get ready for an extraordinary sporting spectacle as the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo returns for yet another season. Taking place on 16 and 17 January 2026, this two-day event promises world-class polo action set against the breathtaking landscapes of Saudi Arabia. The tournament welcomes elite male professionals, women players, and royal patrons, showcasing exceptional horsemanship while style-savvy spectators from around the globe cheer for their favourite stars. From thrilling matches and exclusive VIP experiences to luxurious hospitality and unforgettable desert explorations, AlUla Desert Polo offers a perfect blend of sport, culture, and adventure. Read on to discover what makes Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2026 truly unmissable!
What is AlUla Desert Polo 2026?
Officially the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, AlUla Desert Polo is the world's only organized desert polo tournament held in Saudi Arabia. Launched in 2020 as part of the ‘Winter at Tantora’ festival, the event is organized annually by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in collaboration with the Saudi Polo Federation. In 2026, the tournament will celebrate its fifth edition, which is expected to surpass the record attendance in the previous year. While it was a male-only tournament, women players joined in 2024. In this blog, discover AlUla Desert Polo 2026 dates, tickets and passes, travel tips and experiences to look out for.
Key details of AlUla Desert Polo 2026
- Date: 16 January 2026 - 17 January 2026
- Venue: AlFursan Equestrian Village (also known as Mohammed Yousuf Naghi Equestrian Village)
Suggested Read: Best Places to Visit in AlUla: Discover the Charm of Saudi Arabia's Cultural City
What to Expect at AlUla Desert Polo 2026
AlUla Desert Polo 2026 is one of the highly anticipated events on the sporting calendar of Saudi Arabia. Elite players, royals and international patrons will compete for the prestigious Desert Polo Trophy. During the event, you can look forward to:
- ‘Chukka’ Action
Experience fast-paced, non-stop polo matches where precision, speed, and seamless coordination between horse and rider take centre stage.
- Power Shots & Drives
Watch thrilling power shots as players deliver commanding swings, sending the ball soaring across the vast desert field.
- Teamwork & Strategy
Enjoy the tactical brilliance of the game through quick passes, sharp defensive maneuvers, and intelligent on-field positioning.
- ‘Goal!’ Moments
Feel the excitement rise with every goal scored, celebrated against the breathtaking backdrop of AlUla’s dramatic desert landscape.
- Elite Players
Witness world-class horsemanship and masterful mallet techniques from top international players such as Adolfo Cambiaso. AlUla Desert Polo 2026 will feature six competing teams, each sponsored by renowned luxury brands like Richard Mille.
- High Fashion & Spectacle
Beyond the sport, AlUla Desert Polo blends athletic excellence with luxury, attracting style-savvy crowds and creating an atmosphere of refined elegance.
AlUla Desert Polo 2026 Tickets and Passes
Here are the details of the various tickets and passes available for AlUla Desert Polo 2026:
1. Day 1 Premium Pass (16 January 2026)
- Premium Day One Pass – SAR 400
Enjoy full-day access to AlUla Desert Polo on January 16, 2026, including live polo matches, finger foods and entertainment for an immersive desert experience.
- Premium Day One Pass Child (6-12) – SAR 100
Children aged 6 to 12 years can enjoy full-day access to the polo match at a special discounted rate. Children 5 years and younger enter free (proof of age may be required).
- Polo Players Circle Experience Day One Pass (SAR 590)
This exclusive pass offers all Premium Pass benefits with guided field access, player meet-and-greets, photo opportunities and an exclusive souvenir for an unforgettable VIP experience.
- Polo Players Circle Experience Day One Pass - Child (6-12 at SAR 290)
The Polo Players Circle Experience for children aged 6–12 offers VIP perks, guided field access, player interactions and a keepsake. Children under 5 can enter free, but proof of age is needed.
2. Day 2 Premium Pass (17 January 2026)
- Premium Day Two Pass (SAR 400)
The Day Two Pass offers full-day access to live AlUla Desert Polo on January 17, which includes finger food and entertainment.
- Premium Day Two Child Pass (6-12 at SAR 100)
This pass allows children aged 6–12 to attend the full-day event on Day 2 at a discounted price. Children 5 and under enter free with proof of age.
- Polo Players Circle Experience Day Two Pass – SAR 590
The Polo Players Circle Experience offers all the benefits of a Premium Pass along with guided access to the field before or after matches, meet-and-greet opportunities with players and an exclusive event souvenir.
- Polo Players Circle Experience Day Two Pass Child (6-12) – SAR 290
Children aged 6–12 can enjoy the Polo Players Circle Experience at a special rate, including all VIP benefits, field access, player interactions and a unique keepsake. Children under 5 enter free (proof of age may be required).
3. 2-DAY Weekend Pass (16 & 17 January 2026)
- Premium 2-Day Pass – SAR 600
The 2-Day Pass grants full-day access to AlUla Desert Polo on January 16 and 17, including live polo matches, finger foods, and entertainment. This is your ticket to two full days of sport, culture and desert experiences.
- Premium 2-Day Pass Child (6-12) - SAR 150
This 2-day Pass offers discounted entry for children between 6 and 12 years. Children 5 years and younger enter free. However, proof of age may be required.
- Polo Players Circle Experience 2-Day Pass
Enjoy an exclusive AlUla Desert Polo experience with this VIP Pass! It includes guided field access before and after the matches, a meet-and-greet with your favorite players, photo opportunities and a special souvenir to take back home!
- Polo Players Circle Experience 2-Day Pass Child (6–12) – SAR 530
Children aged 6–12 can enjoy the Polo Players Circle Experience at a reduced rate, including all VIP benefits, field access, interactions with players and a keepsake. Children under 5 enter free (proof of age may be required).
Suggested Read: Things to Do in AlUla: Where Adventure and Beauty Converge
Tips for Attending AlUla Desert Polo 2026
- Book tickets/passes in advance, as they often sell out early
- Arrive early to secure the best viewing spots
- Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for sun protection
- Bring comfortable shoes for walking on sandy terrain
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day
- Capture memories with camera but respect player privacy always
AlUla Desert Polo 2026 isn’t just an event but a gateway to a multifaceted travel experience that blends sport, culture, history and natural beauty. From cheering from the sidelines to marvelling at contemporary art in the desert, your journey promises to be unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller, an equestrian enthusiast or someone looking for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime winter escape, this guide has you covered. Ready to experience the magic of AlUla Desert Polo 2026? Book one of our Saudi Arabia tour packages, plan your itinerary and prepare for a desert adventure like no other!
FAQ’s - AlUla Desert Polo 2026
AlUla Desert Polo 2026 is a premier polo tournament of international polo teams competing amidst the dramatic desert scenery of AlUla, Saudi Arabia. It also features luxury hospitality, gourmet dining and cultural experiences for attendees.
AlUla Desert Polo 2026 will take place on 16 and 17 January at the AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. The venue offers panoramic views of the desert and the Bosphorus horizon connecting Europe and Asia.
Tickets to AlUla Desert Polo 2026 can be purchased online through the Experience AlUla website. You can choose from the Single-Day Premium Pass, Two-Day Premium Pass or the Polo Players Circle (VIP Experience).
AlUla Desert Polo 2026 is accessible with a Single-Day Premium Pass at SAR 400 or a Two-Day Premium Pass at SAR 600. Children under 5 years enter for free (with supervision), while children aged 6 to 12 can purchase a Single-Day Pass for SAR 100 or a Two-Day Pass for SAR 150.
To reach AlUla, you can fly to international airports in Riyadh, Jeddah or other major cities, and then take a domestic flight to AlUla. Upon arrival, you can use a rental car or private transfer to reach your accommodation, event venues and key tourist sites.
Apart from watching the AlUla Desert Polo 2026, you can explore the UNESCO-listed Hegra (Madain Saleh) and Old Town, enjoy AlUla Trail and desert adventures and experience the iconic art installations of Desert X AlUla 2026.
Yes, AlUla Desert Polo combines sport with lifestyle experiences, including live music performances, pop-up retail and artisan markets, family-friendly zones, and cultural exhibitions and installations.
The AlFursan Equestrian Village is located about 15 kilometers from AlUla Old Town, which is barely a 16-minute drive by car.
