The Country’s First Polo Showcase to Debut at Old Doha Port
in December 2025
Celebrating Argentina and Chile through the Qatar Argentina and Chile
2025 Year of Culture Strategic Cultural Partnership
Doha, Qatar – 6 October 2025 – Qatar Polo Club (QPC), under the Ministry of Sports and Youth, has announced the launch of Polo AlMarsa Qatar, the country’s first ever polo showcase, presented by Qatar Calendar.
Taking place from 11 to 13 December 2025 at Terminal Park, Old Doha Port, the event will debut exhibition polo in a purpose-built grass arena, featuring a sporting festival of high-calibre polo matches, cultural showcases, hospitality, and horsemanship. Players from Argentina and Chile will join the showcase as part of the Qatar-Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture, an initiative that spearheads long-lasting cultural partnerships between Qatar and other nations.
Over three days, spectators will experience the excitement of Polo, from a Juniors play-off and a Women’s exhibition match to the Years of Culture Championship Cup, celebrating how sport brings people together and builds trust between nations, celebrating Argentina and Chile. At the heart of the competition is the Polo AlMarsa Championship Cup, where Qatari and international players will play in mixed teams marking a landmark sporting debut for the country.
Mr. Ashraf Abuissa, Chairman for Qatar Polo Club said: “As the official home of polo in the country, our mission is to celebrate equestrian and athletic excellence and raise awareness of this sport. Polo has long been part of the culture and sporting landscape of our region for centuries, symbolizing skill, unity, and tradition.”
Mr. Fuad Almudahka, Director General, Qatar Polo Club added: “Polo AlMarsa reflects our commitment to rekindling this heritage sport, enabling us to create a new tradition that connects our community, honours our equestrian culture, and elevates local talent on an international stage.”
H.E Mohammed Al Kuwari, Years of Culture Advisor on Latin America and Qatar’s former Ambassador to Mexico said: “The Years of Culture has always shown that sport and culture are two sides of the same coin as both bring people together across borders. This Polo AlMarsa event connects Qatar’s equestrian heritage with beloved traditions in Chile and Argentina, creating a new cultural and sporting bridge that will endure long after this year.”
“Hosting Qatar’s first-ever polo event at Old Doha Port marks a new milestone in our journey to establish the Port as a vibrant cultural and tourism destination,” said Eng. Mohammed Abdulla Al Mulla, Chief Executive Officer of Old Doha Port. “Through hosting this event, we aim to bring together Qatar’s rich heritage and modern spirit, reflecting our vision to deliver experiences that celebrate national identity through a contemporary lens. Polo AlMarsa is more than just a sporting event; it represents a strategic step toward strengthening the Port’s role within Qatar’s cultural and sporting landscape.”
Mr. Jassim AlMahmoud, Director of Public Relations and Communications at Visit Qatar, said: “Polo AlMarsa is a remarkable addition to our events calendar, showcasing Qatar’s equestrian tradition while introducing a global sport that resonates with culture and heritage. Through this partnership, we are enriching the diversity of experiences available to both residents and visitors. By hosting such distinctive events at Old Doha Port, Visit Qatar continues to enhance the country’s reputation as a vibrant destination for sport and culture events.”
Beginning with the Polo AlMarsa Youth Camp on Day 1, 11 December, and followed by two days of Polo matches and experiences at Old Doha Port, the three-day programme will combine international exhibition polo with hospitality, entertainment, cultural shows and family activities, international cuisine, fashion and art.
Day two of the program, the official first day of Polo AlMarsa Qatar, on 12 December includes an exhilarating welcome parade with over 50 horses, the official opening ceremony hosted by the Years of Culture and Chile featuring a world class Chilean Cultural Horse Show. This will be followed by the Mini Mallet Cup, a Women’s Exhibition Match, and the Years of Culture Championship Cup celebrating the great bond between Argentina, Chile and Qatar.
The International Day of Polo, hosted on Day 3, 13 December, will be headlined by the Polo AlMarsa Championship Cup. Guests will also enjoy a Historical Horse Show, heritage demonstrations, the closing awards, and the finale of Fashions on the Field.
Throughout the event, the Polo Village will be a lively hub with food trucks, retail, live entertainment, cultural and family activities. Those seeking elevated comfort can access ticketed lounges with prime pitch-side views and dining, while exclusive VIP and sponsor lounges will offer tailored spaces for dignitaries and partners.
Polo AlMarsa is proud to welcome: Qatar Polo Club as the Official Host, Years of Culture, Strategic Cultural Partner, Qatar Calendar, Presenting Partner, The Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM), Supporting Partner, Old Doha Port, Official Strategic Venue Partner, Qatari Diar, Official Real Estate Investment Partner, QIC, Official Insurance Partner, Aspetar, Official Medical Partner, Hurlingham Polo 1875, Official Retail Partner, Arsan, Official Arena Advisor, Qatar Living, Official Digital and Lifestyle Media Partner, Plaza Hollandi, Official Floral Supplier, MUSE the Organizer and with a special thanks to the Ministry of Sports and Youth for their leadership.
Polo AlMarsa Qatar is designed to be a lasting addition to Qatar’s sporting and cultural landscape, offering a new way for audiences to experience the strength of the sport, the richness of the setting, and the spirit of community at its core.
Tickets for Polo AlMarsa Qatar are available through the event website. For details and reservations, please visit www.poloalmarsa.com
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About Polo AlMarsa
Polo AlMarsa, hosted by Qatar Polo Club, and produced by MUSE, an award-winning integrated marketing and communications agency, is a three-day international exhibition polo event that brings sport, culture, and hospitality together in the heart of Doha. Taking place 11–13 December 2025 at Old Doha Port, the event features top-level matches, appearances from global players, and a programme designed to engage guests in sport, entertainment, and hospitality.
About Qatar Polo Club
Qatar Polo Club (QPC) is the newest and most dynamic home of polo in the country, and a driving force behind the sport’s growth in the region. Aligned with Qatar National Vision, QPC is dedicated to elevating the nation’s equestrian landscape through competitive excellence, heightened awareness, and inspiring the next generation of players.
Through international tournaments, youth programmes, and community initiatives, QPC is shaping a new chapter for polo in Qatar uniting local talent with international players in landmark events that celebrate athleticism, heritage, and hospitality. As the steward of polo’s future in the country, QPC is positioning Qatar as a premier destination on the global equestrian map.
About Years of Culture
The Years of Culture initiative, chaired by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, spearheads long-lasting cultural partnerships between Qatar and other nations. It exists to promote respect and understanding among diverse cultures and serves as a catalyst for bringing people together, nurturing connections, encouraging dialogue, and deepening understanding. At its core, Years of Culture is a portal for making connections across cultural heritage, creative industries, social and economic development, and innovation, enriching Qatar’s ties with partner countries well beyond the dedicated year.
Each year is organised with support from Qatar and partner countries’ cultural institutions, ministries, foundations, and public and private sector partners, with assistance from Embassies in Qatar and abroad. Programmes are tailored to explore the unique identity of each partner country with a focus on heritage, creativity, innovation, and shared values.
Previous Years of Culture have included: Qatar-Japan 2012, Qatar-UK 2013, Qatar-Brazil 2014, Qatar-Türkiye 2015, Qatar-China 2016, Qatar-Germany 2017, Qatar-Russia 2018, Qatar-India 2019, Qatar-France 2020, Qatar-USA 2021, Qatar-MENASA 2022, Qatar-Indonesia 2023, and Qatar-Morocco 2024.
The 2025 Year of Culture celebrates Argentina and Chile, spotlighting the enduring Arab influence in Latin America and fostering new exchanges across art, sport, cuisine, heritage, and innovation.
About Visit Qatar
Visit Qatar is the main arm of Qatar Tourism. Visit Qatar’s mission is to promote and expand tourism in Qatar by cultivating its rich culture, developing thrilling attractions, enhancing Qatar’s calendar, becoming the leading MICE destination in the region, diversifying events and luxury experiences. Visit Qatar is rooted in Service Excellence, boosting the entire tourism value chain, and increasing local and international visitor demand in Qatar. Through Visit Qatar’s network of international offices in priority markets, cutting-edge digital platforms, and marketing campaigns, Visit Qatar is expanding Qatar’s presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector. Web: www.visitqatar.com
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