Sport of Kings in Abu Dhabi

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi’s internationally renowned 5-star destination, today announces that it will host Coutts ‘Polo at the Palace’; a two-day tournament set to be one of the most exciting events in Abu Dhabi’s social calendar. Taking place on the Friday 23 and Saturday 24 November 2012, the iconic Emirates Palace will provide the spectacular backdrop for this glamorous event right in the heart of the city. The tournament is inspired by popular London event ‘Polo in the Park’, which has pioneered the city polo series by bringing the classic sport to a contemporary cosmopolitan audience. 

Set amidst the grandeur of Emirates Palace’s 100 hectares of private gardens, a custom-built polo field situated on the West Lawn (one third smaller than a regular polo field) will draw the audience into the very centre of the action.  With admission restricted to a select 1,000 people per day, guests visiting ‘Polo at the Palace’ will be treated to a fantastic, up-close view of the game and be one of a lucky few to enjoy the spectacular Palace and myriad facilities.

Four teams representing some of the world’s leading centres of finance and fashion – Team Abu Dhabi (sponsored by Coutts); Team London (sponsored by Van Cleef & Arpels), Team Milan (sponsored by Maserati), and Team Buenos Aires – will battle it out for the Coutts Polo Cup over two days of unmissable action.  Whist polo ponies and riders dash back and forth, guests will be treated to mouth-watering cuisine by Emirates Palace’s esteemed culinary team, under the expert eye of newly-appointed Executive Chef Sandro Gamba, in the exclusive pitch-side VIP Hospitality Tent or in one of the five Private Chalets.

Meanwhile, Emirates Palace will also showcase a cultural display by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, an exclusive pop-up La Martina boutique for those inspired by the ‘polo look’ and a Maserati showroom which offers an unprecedented opportunity to test drive the new Gran Turismo!  And, in keeping with the glamour of this star-studded event, iconic British designer Stella McCartney will unveil her newest collection in a one-off show in these palatial surroundings – her first fashion show in the United Arab Emirates.

Polo in the park ... coming soon!

Jodie Kidd Encourages IOC To Reinstate Polo As An Olympic Sport in

London. Former model and Polo Player Jodie Kidd along with MINT Team London Captain today petitioned the International Olympic Committee to reinstate polo as an Olympic Sport, at the launch of Mint Polo In The Park 2012.

“Polo is one of the most exciting and competitive sports on the planet,” says Kidd, “And it’s truly international: at MINT Polo In The Park, there are teams from the Middle East, America, Russia, Australia, India, and Argentina. With the Olympics coming to London this summer, I am asking to the International Olympic Committee to reinstate polo as an Olympic sport, for the benefit of players and spectators alike.”

Kidd was speaking from the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, at the Launch of MINT Polo In the Park - an annual international polo festival played at the Hurlingham Club, Fulham. At the London Olympics of 1908, Great Britain won gold in the polo tournament, which was played at The Hurlingham Club.

Today, The Hurlingham Club is the home of MINT Polo In The Park, a high-octane polo festival played over three days on the 8th, 9th and 10th of June. MINT Polo In The Park has introduced thousands of city-folk to the exciting sport of polo in the heart of London. The event has become a huge hit with Londoners: over 30,000 people attended the event last year, which has won the London Sports Attraction Of The Year Award two years running.

“The Hurlingham Club is the spiritual home of polo,” said Rory Heron, Managing Director of MINT Polo In The Park, “And it was the site of Team GB’s Olympic Polo triumph in 1908. For the past 4 years, we have brought Polo back here in the shape of MINT Polo In The Park and, with the Olympics coming to London this summer, polo has never been more popular.”

Polo was last played as an Olympic sport in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, but was not a sport in London 1948, due to economic and logistical challenges of what became known as The Austerity Games. Major David Dawnay captained Team GB at the 1936 Olympics. 

Mint Polo in the Park 2012

Welcome to MINT Polo in the Park - a three day celebration of international polo, lifestyle and family entertainment.

Since its debut in 2009, MINT Polo in the Park has rapidly established itself as one of the leading central London sporting events - selling out to both the corporate market and general public in 2010 and 2011.

In a similar way to how Twenty20 has changed the image of cricket, MINT Polo in the Park has adapted the traditional rules of polo to create a high octane, fast moving and dynamic sport which attracts spectators and the media alike.

Six teams each representing global cities will play in a 'Round Robin' format over the 3 days, culminating with the Final and the presentation of the MINT Trophy on Sunday 10th June 2012. 2011 saw Team Abu Dhabi claim victory after a hard fight against Team Gaucho Buenos Aires.

2012’s event will build on the success of previous years to bring another glittering, action-packed event. With several new additions, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Fabulous attractions for 2012: DOUBLE the amount of bar and garden space, MORE on-pitch entertainment, with larger spectator viewing areas, improved children's zone and, of course, world class polo throughout the day.

Friday evening brings you the ‘Veuve Clicquot at Hurlingham’ Launch Party – Join us at the world famous Hurlingham club for a truly fabulous evening to celebrate our event in style.