2013 Royal Salute UAE Nations Cup

Story and Photography by  Celine M-P Genonceau

 UAE Nations Cup-GB Polo Team

 

2013 UAE Nations Cup

2013 UAE Nations Cup

2013 UAE Nations Cup

2013 UAE Nations Cup

2013 UAE Nations Cup

2013 Emirates Cup-Rashid Alwardy

2013 Emirates Cup

2013 Emirates Cup

2013 Emirates Cup

 

 

The annual UAE Nations Cup returned to the luxurious Desert Palm Resort in Dubai in January, together with a new tournament: The Emirates Cup.

 

The ten-day tournament brought patrons and players from Great-Britain, Iraq, Switzerland, and the UAE and delivered exciting action on the opulent Desert Palm estate.

 

Four teams contested the UAE Nations Cup. Ali Alwardy’s Desert Palm team had won every year since the inauguration of the event, but 2013 was a year too far for Alwardy’s previous invincibles.

 

On the final afternoon and under clear blue skies, Great-Britain narrowly beat Iraq 4-3 in a thrilling final befitting the beautiful surroundings, to secure the Cup. Team GB comprised Sam Instone, Thomas Claesen, Peter Webb and 13 year old Henry Porter, playing in his first final.

 

Later in the day, The Emirates Cup, Desert Palm’s first 16 goal tournament, produced a no-less exciting final. Of the six teams contesting the new tournament, HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Godolphin Polo and Andras Tombor’s Hungary reached the last match. Godolphin triumphed 6-5 in an exciting finale to the day’s play.

 

The EFG International Most Valuable Player trophy was awarded to Zedan Polo patron Amr Zedan. The Equestrio Best Playing Pony rug was won by HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Salins, played by Lucas Monteverde."

 

 

In the meantime, please give our Thanks to all at Desert Palm Resort for their great welcome
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