Adolfo Cambiaso launches Desert Palm Nations Cup

January 9, 2009 saw the world’s number one polo player Adolfo Cambiaso and the USA’s number one polo player Nick Roldan, play in the inaugural Desert Palm Nations Cup. The Cup will be an annual event in celebration of polo in the UAE, showcasing the exclusive retreat of Desert Palm Dubai as a leading destination in the global polo calendar.

This was the first time Cambiaso had played in the Middle East and the event drew enormous interest from both local and international patrons and enthusiasts of the game.

The Cup was also attended by the Argentinean Ambassador to the UAE, Mr Rubin Caro, who presented the owner of Desert Palm and patron of polo in Dubai, Mr Ali Albwardy, with a prize in recognition of his commitment to the game of polo and as an ambassador of the sport.

Commenting on his participation, Adolfo Cambiaso said; “It is a great privilege to be in the UAE and be part of the inaugural Desert Palm Nations Cup. I very much appreciate the enthusiasm and warm welcome I’ve received from the supporters here at Desert Palm and the world class facilities on offer at the resort, which is the number one Polo Club in the Middle East. It will be the first of many visits to the UAE.”

Adolfo Cambiaso headed the UAE team alongside three UAE Emirati players: Ali Albwardy, Rashid Albwardy, and Najieb Khoorhy. The UAE team played against the Rest of the World team which comprised Nick Roldan, Mussabh Wandawi, Wilf Laugher and Faris Al Yabhouni. The victorious UAE team won by seven goals to five.

Axel Jarosch, general manager of Desert Palm commented, “It has been a great opportunity to showcase the new Desert Palm resort, highlighting the link between the polo estate and the international opportunities that we have with this great sport. Moving forward in 2009 Desert Palm will be working on hosting up to four key polo tournaments. These will be exclusive events that will raise the standard of polo within Dubai and highlight the city and the resort as the leading polo destination in the Middle East. The next event will be the Cartier International Polo Challenge which is taking place on March 27, 2009.”

The Desert Palm Nations Cup was organised by Equus Passport and partnered by key luxury brands Jaeger-LeCoultre, Land Rover, Equestrio, MMI and Desert Palm Resort & Spa. The association with Land Rover reiterates their position as a truly global brand and stems from its conviction to promote sport and a spirit of adventure at every level. Land Rover has been supporting polo and Adolfo Cambiaso for over five years, having previously worked with him in the UK.

The association with Jaeger-LeCoultre was perfect timing for the launch of their new Reverso Squadra World Chronograph Polo Field model and their new Boutique in Dubai Mall and highlights their passionate association with polo. Adolfo Cambiaso is also the ambassador for Jaeger-LeCoultre and thanks to this title represents the brand through Polo.

In future the Desert Palm Nations Cup will also be an opportunity to work with the Riding for the Disabled Association of Dubai, an internationally recognised organisation based on the estate which works with disabled children.

With only 26 rooms, Desert Palm is one of the smallest resorts in Dubai. A truly boutique experience, the retreat is located on a private polo estate offering a selection of private pool villas, residences and suites, two sumptuous culinary experiences, Rare and Epicure and a sensational LIME spa.

Guests can watch polo being played most days between October and May and they also have the opportunity to learn the art of this game of Kings. The estate itself features four championship size polo fields, a riding school, the Riding for the Disabled Association, stabling facilities for over 300 horses and 90 residential villas.

For more information, log on to Desertpalm.ae.