Team AlUla, Team Defender advance to AlUla Desert Polo Trophy final after opening day

SPA

ALULA, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 17, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The 2026 AlUla Desert Polo tournament opened on Friday, Jan. 16, with six teams competing at Mohammed Yousuf Naghi AlFursan Equestrian Village, as Team AlUla and Team Defender qualified for the AlUla Desert Polo Trophy final scheduled for Saturday.

Friday’s play featured a Round Robin stage split into Zone A and Zone B.

In Zone A, Team AlUla beat Team Dadan 5–3, then defeated Team BSF 4–2 to secure a place in the Trophy final. Team BSF finished second in the group after a 3–3 match against Team Dadan was decided by penalties, with BSF winning 2–0 in the shootout.

In Zone B, Team Defender drew 3–3 with Team Budget before winning on penalties, then beat Team VISA 3–0 to top the group and reach the Trophy final. Team Budget secured second place in the group by defeating Team VISA 3–0.

Saturday’s schedule begins with the Wooden Spoon Final between Team Dadan and Team VISA at 12:35 p.m., followed by the Subsidiary Cup Final between Team BSF and Team Budget at 2:20 p.m. The AlUla Desert Polo Trophy final between Team AlUla and Team Defender is set for 4:05 p.m., followed by a prize-giving ceremony.

Organisers describe AlUla Desert Polo as the world’s first organised desert polo tournament and say it forms part of the AlUla Moments 2025/26 calendar.