UAE Polo Federation focuses on growing Emirati player base for 2026-2027 season

By James Mercer • 5 September 2026, 19:02 • 3 mins read

The UAE Polo Federation is rolling out a new development plan for the 2026-2027 season, with a focus on recruiting more Emirati players and working more closely with clubs. Federation leaders credit key supporters and aim to raise the sport's profile across the country.

The UAE Polo Federation is preparing a new approach for the 2026-2027 season, aiming to bring more Emirati players into the sport and strengthen its relationships with clubs across the country. The plan is meant to secure polo's future in the UAE and give it a stronger national presence.

Led by Mohamed Al Habtoor, the Federation is moving beyond its usual routines. It is working directly with club owners and managers, reviewing how clubs operate, and launching new efforts to make polo more accessible and appealing to UAE nationals. The goal is to develop a new generation of homegrown players and ensure the sport reflects local talent and identity.

According to WAM, the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival in August 2026 attracted over 2,400 participants, including nearly 300 Emiratis, providing a benchmark for local engagement in national sports and intellectual events.

The Federation has publicly thanked Smo Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, and Smo Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, leader and founder of the UAE Polo Team, for their support. Club owners and sponsors have also played a key role in keeping polo competitions active throughout the Emirates.

"We are determined to build a broad base of Emirati players who can help us achieve the Federation's ambitions and meet the expectations of polo enthusiasts," said Mohamed Al Habtoor. He pointed to recent progress and said the new strategy is meant to turn that momentum into lasting results, both on and off the field.
Right now, the Federation is finalising the operational calendar and development plan for the coming season. A meeting is set for next month, where club representatives and other stakeholders will review and approve the proposed schedule and new initiatives. This joint approach is meant to keep everyone on the same page and help the season reflect the sport's growing status in the UAE.

Recent reporting by Gulf News confirms that the UAE has been steadily enhancing its athlete development programs through international sports partnerships and institutional initiatives. This broader national strategy aligns with the Federation's stated goal of increasing the number of homegrown players, though no specific official release has been found regarding the expansion of Emirati polo players for the 2026-2027 season.

Gulf News

The Federation says it is focused on real changes, not just formal statements or promises. Its plan lays out specific steps for growth, accountability, and Emirati participation. Whether these efforts lead to more local players on the field and a stronger polo community will become clear in the seasons ahead.

Topics: Sports Business Federations & Governance

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James Mercer

James Mercer is the Founder, Owner, Publisher and Managing Director of UAE CUE Sports, where he oversees editorial direction and the publication's development across the Emirates. He writes about UAE sport, sports media, major events, venues, sports business and the wider relationship between participation, audiences and the country's sporting industry.