Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group received His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development at the Al Habtoor Group office on Monday February 8, 2016.
They discussed the latest projects at the Al Habtoor Group including the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, which is currently under development in DubaiLand. The equestrian haven will include a 136-key Andalusian-style St. Regis hotel as its centerpiece, 162 stylish bungalows, 500 luxury stables, polo fields, and riding club offering multiple disciplines from polo and dressage to show jumping and traditional horse riding.
Al Habtoor and HE Sheikh Nahyan, who has extended his patronage to numerous sporting events in the UAE in the past – including polo – discussed the formation of a governing body to regulate polo in the country.
Al Habtoor said, “I welcome His Excellency’s support. Sheikh Nahyan has been an advocate for the betterment of the UAE over the years; from academic reform to supporting youth, empowering women and the community as a whole.”
The talks coincided with a press conference and draw at The St. Regis Dubai at Al Habtoor City for the Julius Bär Cup, which runs from Friday February 19 to Friday March 11, 2016 at the Arabian Ranches Equestrian Club. The event, now in its seventh years, is part of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series (Dubai Open). It carries an 18-goal handicap, the highest in the Middle East, and attracts some of the world’s best polo players.
Al Habtoor said, “The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series has earned itself a solid reputation, locally and internationally thanks to the hard work of the patrons and players. We need to ensure we keep raising the bar even higher and setting standards. Regulation is imperative for the future success of polo in the UAE.”