Polo was always known as the sport of kings ever since it was introduced to the world through the courts of the Mogul emperors of India. Coutts Polo at the Palace, which is an annual two-day sports spectacular, and it is one of the gulf region’s most prestigious events, as well as a fashionable occasion. It attracts high fliers who are keen on and associated with the sport, in addition to skilled equestrians, haute monde fashionistas, and local and international socialites.
Ever since it debuted in 2009, Coutts Polo at the Palace takes place every November in the gardens of the Emirates Palace (a sumptuous hotel), Abu Dhabi. The Coutts team from the host city, the Maserati Team from Milan, the Faberge Team from London, and Team Buenos Aires compete for the prestigious Coutts Polo Cup during two days of intense competition on one of the most spectacular and best purpose-built polo fields in the world. In order to ensure an exciting sporting event, the game here is played according to a different set of rules geared to keep the players moving, the audience entertained, and to keep them coming to the event.
The game played on the grounds of the Palace has been made simpler to appeal to a wider audience as well as to make it fast-paced and unforgettable. It starts with the exciting Palace Dash, where the opposing sides try to get at the ball in a mad dash across the field, setting the pace for the rest of the game. A smaller field than those used for regular games, it allows the audience to be closer to the action and three players per side instead of the usual four force it to be a more action-filled game needing skill, speed, and innovative tactics. This new way of playing an ancient game has not only heightened its interest but also proved that it can be played successfully in the centre of busy cities.
The off-field activities are as exciting as those on the field. Shaded lavish lounge-like areas provide refreshments and relaxing spaces in VIP tents limited to 250 people and five private chalets serving only up to 50 people. The emphasis is on exclusivity, with only a thousand spectators admitted per game and tickets are in high demand for the 2013 November event.
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Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.