Qatar’s First Polo tournament marks a new sporting milestone: Qatar Polo Club DG

Doha: For the first time in Qatar s history, the thunder of hooves and the crack of mallets will echo through the heart of the capital when Polo Al Ma...

Doha: For the first time in Qatar’s history, the thunder of hooves and the crack of mallets will echo through the heart of the capital when Polo Al Marsa takes centre stage at Old Doha Port on December 11–13.

The groundbreaking 3-on-3 exhibition tournament, organised by the newly established Qatar Polo Club, marks the official introduction of polo as a competitive sport to the country and signals Qatar’s ambition to place itself firmly on the global polo map.

In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula, Director General of the Qatar Polo Club, Fuad Al-Mudahka, explained the thinking behind the event. “Polo has always been seen as the sport of kings and, yes, it is traditionally elite,” he acknowledged. “But we want to change that perception in Qatar. By bringing a fast-paced, spectator-friendly version right into the centre of Doha, we are making the sport accessible and exciting for everyone.”

Polo Al Marsa is a shortened arena-style format played on a compact field, allowing crowds to stand just metres from the action, a stark contrast to traditional outdoor polo, which is usually staged on vast private estates far from urban areas.

The choice of the re-purposed Old Doha Port terminal park, still buzzing with post-World Cup energy, is deliberate. “This venue lets us blend sport, tourism and culture in one spectacular waterfront setting,” Al-Mudahka said. “It’s the perfect platform to showcase Qatar’s vision after hosting the FIFA World Cup.”