The ruling family of the United Arab Emirates has a huge affinity to horses, so much so that the gulf state hosts many of the world’s biggest and most illustrious races and polo matches. The best example is the Dubai Polo World Cup, which takes place on the beautiful grounds of the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club. Naturally, the club attracts all the associated glamour and sophistication that comes with the sport. Even if you are completely new to polo, the club boasts world-class coaches who can teach everything you need to know to win a match. Its range of courses combines horsemanship and tactics, teaching you everything you need to know to take part in a team match. There’s nothing like the experience of galloping flat-out across a pristine polo field and beating your opponent. Watching the game is, however, almost as enthralling as playing it, so on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday between October and April, go to the private Desert Palm Polo Club to drink tea at the hotel’s terrace while watching this exhilarating sport.
Image: ©Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club