QATAR’S POLO JOURNEY
Fuad Al-Mudahka, director general of Qatar Polo Club, describes the Club’s vision,
Qatar’s rising status as a polo destination, and how efforts across the region are paving the
way for a vibrant, modern polo ecosystem.
The field at Old Doha Port.
As polo gains momentum across the Middle East, the region is emerging as an exciting new chapter in the sport’s global evolution. With a deep-rooted equestrian culture, and a national vision that champions elite sport, the launch of the Qatar Polo Club (QPC) under the Ministry of Sports and Youth marks a significant milestone in Qatar’s history. From international appearances to local activations, the club’s ambition is already taking shape, highlighted by Team Doha’s debut at Chestertons Polo in the Park, held in London in June. Locally, QPC is also organizing standout events such as the upcoming Polo AlMarsa taking place in Doha, Qatar in December 2025.
At its core, QPC represents a bold step forward in blending tradition with modern sporting excellence. Built on Qatar’s longstanding equestrian tradition and its investment in high-performance sport, QPC aims to introduce a fresh narrative around polo: one that is contemporary, accessible and deeply rooted in place. Our vision is to establish QPC not just as a club, but as a cultural and sporting institution that nurtures talent, hosts world-class events, and opens the doors of polo to a new generation in Qatar and the region. QPC is a national initiative under the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and this affiliation reflects
Qatar’s commitment to sport as a driver of national development. QPC is not just about sport, it’s about cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and international visibility. Being rooted in a government mandate gives us the platform to elevate polo on a national and global scale, ensuring it aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030.
We are currently in our foundational phase, and that’s an incredibly exciting place to be. We have built an operational ecosystem that includes youth development, coaching networks and international partnerships. There is a pipeline for player development, activated international training opportunities, and established event platforms like Polo AlMarsa to help generate awareness. We’re actively building strategic partnerships.
grassroot players, from left:
Bader Al Marri, Ahmed Al Badi,Ziad Abuissa, Fuad Al-Mudahka and Saleh Al Marri in Sotogrande
Qatar is a unique home for polo, as the country’s bond with horses is centuries old, woven into our history, culture and identity. Polo, long played in our historic times, is part of that proud equestrian tradition – a sport that reflects our heritage while continuing to inspire today.
What truly sets Qatar apart is the way we combine this heritage with modern-day excellence. With year-round sunshine, world-class infrastructure and an unmatched spirit of hospitality, the country offers a beautiful and welcoming stage for international polo. Having already earned its place as a top destination for global sporting events, Qatar is now ready to bring the same energy, elegance and ambition to the world of polo. This is just the beginning of something truly special.
Polo AlMarsa is taking place in December 2025, and marks a historic milestone as it will introduce polo to Qatar for the very first time through a public event. It’s also the first time Qatari polo players will play on their home soil after their country debuted on the world stage at Chestertons. Hosted at Old Doha Port on the pier, the matches will be played against the stunning backdrop of Doha’s skyline. The concept is innovative, yet it honours the sport’s prestige. Visitors can expect a mix of sport, fashion, art and culture, with curated experiences for both polo aficionados and new audiences. It’s also a way for us to introduce polo to a broader public.
The grassroots programme is one of our proudest achievements so far
Events like Polo AlMarsa play a key role in bringing our vision to life. They help us generate excitement and introduce polo to new audiences in a way that feels relevant and rooted in Qatar’s culture. Polo AlMarsa also reflects the values of Qatar National Vision 2030, where sport is a driver of both social and economic growth. Through QPC, we’re building something lasting: a platform that nurtures homegrown talent and positions Qatar as a true polo destination. To develop homegrown talent, we’re actively engaging with schools and local riding academies to scout and support young riders. Our goal is to create a pipeline of Qatari and regional players who can compete at the highest levels. We’re also working with seasoned professionals and coaches to ensure the next generation is equipped with the technical skills and superb sportsmanship that comes with the sport. Currently, we have eight players in training, preparing them to step onto the field with confidence at the Polo AlMarsa tournament in December.
The grassroots programme is one of our proudest achievements so far. It focuses on nurturing young Qatari riders through structured coaching, mentorship and early competitive exposure. In June 2025, we sent Team Doha to Polo in the Park in London.
It was their first international tournament where they competed representing Qatar on one of polo’s most high-profile platforms.That experience was invaluable. It gave our players confidence, exposure and a sense of purpose. It also set the stage for what we’re building now. Looking ahead, we envision QPC as a premier polo institution in the Gulf, complete with world-class facilities, a thriving professional league, youth academies and global tournaments. Polo will be part of the region’s cultural and sporting narrative, not just as a luxury pastime, but as an accessible and competitive sport rooted in heritage. Polo AlMarsa is just the beginning.