H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa Presents the Polo AlMarsa Qatar 2025 Championship Cup
*In the Presence of H.E. Saad Ali Al‑Kharji Chairman, Visit Qatar and Ashraf Abuissa, and Chairman, Qatar Polo Club, Team Lusail wins the Prestigious Cup
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Photo Emad Elshebly
Polo AlMarsa Qatar 2025 concluded in spectacular fashion with an awards ceremony, marking a memorable finale to a landmark second day that drew more than 3,000 spectators, including VIPs, celebrities, sponsor leadership, media representatives, and public guests. The ceremony also delivered a major announcement for the sport’s growing community in Qatar: Polo AlMarsa will officially return for its second edition in 2026.
Hosted by Qatar Polo Club, supported by The Social & Sport Contribution Fund DAAM, and presented by Qatar Calendar, Polo AlMarsa Qatar 2025 brought together sport, heritage, lifestyle, and culture in a unique waterfront setting that reflects both the elegance of polo and the modern vibrancy of Doha. Driven by the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture partnership, the event delivered a seamless blend of global equestrian excellence and cultural authenticity.
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Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani presented the Polo AlMarsa Qatar 2025 Championship Cup to the victorious Team Lusail – featuring Bader Al Marri, Beltrán Laulhé, and Gastón Laulhé, who secured their win with a decisive 6–3 score.
H.E. Saad Ali Al‑Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar awarded the Runners‑Up trophy to Team Doha, recognising their strong performance throughout the tournament.
Before presenting the Championship Cup, H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani took to the stage to honour the juniors, beginning with the Mini Mallet Cup awards. Team Lusail Juniors – featuring Rafa Mac Donough, Vicente Di Paola, and Adino Donosa – were celebrated as Runners‑Up, while Team Doha Juniors—represented by Patrick Clarkin, Elizabeth Clarkin, and Milo Mac Donough—claimed the Mini Mallet Cup with a hard‑fought 1–0 victory, earning recognition for one of the day’s standout performances.
The day also celebrated outstanding equine performances. The Best Playing Pony from yesterday’s Years of Culture Championship Cup 2025 was Attraccion Fatal, ridden by Pablo MacDonough of Team Buenos Aires. For the Polo Al Marsa Qatar 2025 Championship Cup, the Best Playing Pony honor went to Tumba, played by Beltran Laulhe.
Day Two kept spectators on edge with chukkas that showcased precision, teamwork, and international flair. Teams delivered fast-paced play from the very first whistle, with thrilling runs, decisive goals, and standout performances that elevated the competitive rhythm of the tournament. The presence of Qatar’s rising polo talent resonated with the crowds, underscoring the country’s growing equestrian ambitions and strengthening Qatar’s position on the global polo map.
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Beyond the field, the waterfront experience remained a defining hallmark of the event. Guests arrived in expressive colour palettes and equestrian-inspired elegance, embodying the distinctive glamour of Polo AlMarsa. Years of Culture partnered with crin artisans from Rari, Chile to create bespoke fascinator designs displayed at the event. The Fashions on the Field competition added flair and personality throughout the venue, bringing out creative interpretations of polo lifestyle and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the day.
Throughout Old Doha Port, visitors moved through the Polo Village and hospitality lounges, enjoying curated brand activations, gourmet F&B offerings, and a wide range of family-friendly activities. Cultural displays, live entertainment, and the immersive energy of the Mina District created a festive environment that seamlessly blended with luxury, community, and creativity. The Years of Culture tent hosted two muralists from Chile and Argentina, Joel Posh and Animalitoland, who created designed inspired by cross-cultural collaboration.
Reflecting on the momentum of the event, Ashraf Abuissa said: “The energy across Old Doha Port today reflects everything we envisioned when we were planning for Polo AlMarsa. What began as an idea has now become a world-class platform that celebrates Qatar’s culture, creativity, and sporting excellence. The event will return every year, and we hope it will continue to grow bigger and better, helping to develop the sport of polo and encourage the next generation of players.”
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Commenting on the spirit of cross-cultural collaboration that brought teams from three countries together, His Excellency Mohammed Al Kuwari, Years of Culture Advisor on Latin America, said: “As we celebrate our 2025 partnerships with Argentina and Chile, this polo showcase holds special meaning. Polo’s roots in Argentina and Chile and Qatar’s equestrian heritage reflect shared traditions of horsemanship and craftsmanship. Sport has always been a powerful connector within Years of Culture. It brings people together naturally, creating instant common ground, honoring heritage, and sparking new friendships beyond borders.”
The foundations of Polo AlMarsa 2025 were strengthened by partners who pledged their support from the very outset including Qatar Polo Club as the Official host, The Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) as Supporting Partner, the Years of Culture initiative as the Strategic Cultural Partner, Qatar Calendar as Presenting Partner, Old Doha Port as Official Strategic Venue Partner, QIC as Official Insurance Partner, Genesis as Official Automotive Partner, Katara as Official Logistics Support Partner, Aspetar as Official Medical Partner, Ooredoo as Official Telecom Partner, Hurlingham Polo 1875 as Official Retail Partner, Mjhar News as Official News Partner, Qatar Living as Official Digital and Lifestyle Media Partner, IloveQatar as Official Multimedia Partner, Saheel Production as Official Media Partner, Arsan as Official Arena Advisor, Bakertilly as Official Consulting Partner, Plaza Hollandi as Official Floral Supplier, The Look Company as Official Branding Partner, Equine Veterinary Medical Center as Official Equine Veterinary Partner, Beverly Hills Polo Club as Official Fragrance Partner, Gold Apple as Official Beauty Supplier, and finally MUSE as official organizer.
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About Polo AlMarsa Qatar 2025
Polo AlMarsa Qatar 2025, 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
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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 The Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM)
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Established under Emiri Decree No. 44 of 2010, The Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) is a national initiative dedicated to supporting social and sporting activities in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. DAAM contributes strategically to projects across education, health, sports, and social development, reinforcing its mission to foster sustainable growth and community well‑being. Through partnerships with government entities, foundations, and civil society organizations, DAAM empowers youth, promotes social entrepreneurship, and advances initiatives that drive economic diversification and social progress. Its commitment to impactful contributions underscores DAAM’s role as a trusted catalyst for positive change in Qatar.
About Years of Culture (YOC)
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Launched by Qatar Museums in 2012, the Years of Culture initiative is a flagship cultural diplomacy program that fosters mutual understanding and collaboration between Qatar and partner nations through year‑long exchanges. Each edition highlights shared heritage and contemporary creativity across diverse fields including art, music, film, fashion, food, and sport. By curating exhibitions, performances, residencies, and educational programs, YOC creates platforms for dialogue and connection that strengthen cultural ties and promote global engagement. In 2025, Qatar partners with Argentina and Chile, presenting a dynamic calendar of events that celebrate creativity, diversity, and the power of cultural exchange.
About Visit Qatar (VQ)
Visit Qatar (VQ) is the official tourism promotion platform of Qatar Tourism, dedicated to showcasing the country’s rich heritage, modern attractions, and world‑class hospitality. Through strategic campaigns, events, and partnerships, VQ highlights Qatar as a premier destination for leisure, business, and cultural experiences. From iconic landmarks and luxury resorts to authentic local traditions and sporting excellence, Visit Qatar inspires travelers to discover the nation’s unique blend of innovation and authenticity. As part of Qatar Tourism’s vision, VQ plays a central role in driving sustainable growth in the tourism sector and positioning Qatar as a leading global hub for culture, sport, and lifestyle.
About Old Doha Port (ODP)
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Old Doha Port (ODP) is Qatar’s premier maritime and lifestyle destination, located at the heart of Doha’s Corniche. Following extensive redevelopment, the port has transformed into the vibrant Mina District, featuring colorful waterfront architecture, cobblestone streets, and a dynamic mix of retail, dining, and cultural experiences. With more than 450 berths accommodating yachts and cruise vessels, ODP serves as a gateway for international visitors while offering residents a year‑round calendar of festivals, sporting events, and family‑friendly activities. As a hub for tourism, leisure, and community engagement, Old Doha Port plays a central role in advancing Qatar’s vision for economic diversification and cultural exchange.
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The “Mdmar” website which was Founded by Khaled Makhlouf in 2007 for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
