Dubai Polo Gold Cup Announces the IFZA Silver Cup 2021 Tournament Fixture at the Press Conference

• International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) onboard as the Title Sponsor of the tournament
• Al Shirawi Contracting LLC joined as Main Sponsor

18 January 2021 – DUBAI, UAE: The Dubai Polo Gold Cup (DPGC) organization officially kick-started its high-goal season with the Silver Cup’s annual launch during the customary press conference and live draw which took place on Monday, January 18^th at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort.

On its 11^th year, the Silver Cup is part of the DPGC Series held under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Five tournaments fall under the umbrella of the prestigious DPGC Series:

• The IFZA Silver Cup (18 goal handicap), which will run from January 22^nd to February 5^th
• Polo Masters Cup (6-8 goal handicap) on February 7^th to 12^th
• IFZA Gold Cup (18-goal handicap) from February 14^th to March 5^th
• Dubai Challenge Cup (8-10-goal handicap) from March 13^th to 20^th
• Dubai Cup (6-8 goal handicap) from March 31^st to April 9^th, 2021

The DPGC Series in the UAE is one of only five tournaments worldwide played in the WPT Championship Cup category. It is on a par with world-class events held in Argentina, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The DPGC series started in 2009 with tournaments carrying a handicap of 10-12 goals and has grown to host teams playing in 18-goal handicap matches.

Mohammed K. Al Habtoor, founder of the DPGC Series and patron of the Habtoor Polo team, said: “We are in high spirits about hosting our high-goal season after a long withdrawal from sporting events in the past year. We will be seeing new and returning faces on the polo field in the coming days. Top-ranking World Polo Tour players, including Facundo Sola (ranked no. 18 in the world), Alfredo Capella Barabucci (ranked no. 27), who are both 9-goal handicap players; Alejandro Muzzio (ranked no. 30), and many others who have come directly from the Argentine Open will be playing on our fields,”

He added: “We very grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, partners and the unbeatable enthusiasm of six polo teams participating in the Silver Cup 2021 tournament. I am particularly honoured to welcome International Free Zone Authority as the Title Sponsor of the Silver Cup 2021. Having the backing of one of the UAE’s leading Free Zone Authorities in our quest of delivering world class polo in the Middle East is a great testament to our tournament’s success.”

Martin G. Pedersen, Chairman of IFZA, states: “Both the Silver Cup and the Dubai Gold Cup bring a particular group of people together – people who have incredible skills and mastery of the sport – to Dubai’s dynamic landscape. In a similar manner, IFZA has a long-standing dedication to excellence in what we do, with skills and knowledge that continuously improve the way we and our customers to do business from the UAE. Our position as the Free Zone of choice for businesses here and abroad makes this collaboration with these world-class tournaments a win-win proposition.”

At the same event, the DPGC Organization also announced that Al Shirawi Contracting LLC has joined as The Main Sponsor for the Silver Cup 2021. Al Shirawi is a leader in the construction industry with expert waterproofing services.

"A tournament that is globally recognised and that puts UAE at the forefront of the international polo circuit, Al Shirawi too, with its world-class services helps put UAE on the global stage, with respect to the construction and services industry. "A sport that exuberates strength and stability through its very form, needs support by a brand that mirrors the exact same values, which makes Al Shirawi Contracting Company L.L.C an apt fitment as the main sponsor for the esteemed event. After having made a mark in the construction industry with our expert waterproofing services, we will now be playing a crucial role in the service industry with our excellent Futureproofing services. Our futureproofing services and our global partner MAXON Technologies'  anti-corrosive coating together form a strong bond that helps preserve your built assets so that they stay as sturdy and magnificent as they are today.  Being one of the leading players in the construction and service industry, our collaboration with such eminent events marks us on the global map and makes this event a grand success,” stated by Pramodh Idicheria, COO, Al Shirawi Group.

The final of the Silver Cup will be played on Friday, February 5^th, 2021 at the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club.

The list of six participating teams in the Silver Cup 2021 includes:

• UAE Polo Team (Patron: HH Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum)
• Bangash Polo Team (Patron: Haider Bangash)
• Dubai Wolves (Patron: Habtoor Al Habtoor)
• Habtoor Polo Team (Patron: Mohammed Al Habtoor)
• IFZA Polo Team (Patron: Rashid Al Habtoor)
• Zedan Polo Team (Patron: Amr Zedan)

The Silver Cup is played under the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) banner, with strict international supervision according to the HPA rules and provision of its umpires. The tournament falls under World Polo Tour’s WPT Cup Category. The Silver Cup winners are awarded 60 points, finalists with 30 points, semi-finalists with 15 points and the rest of the players with 8 points.

 

SILVER CUP TITLE SPONSOR

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)

Strategically situated in Dubai, of the world’s most powerful business gateways, the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is your single point of contact for all Free Zone business formation and administration services. IFZA provides local and international businesses the ideal platform, infrastructure and location that optimize the benefits of the UAE’s strategic geographic position, world-class infrastructure and business and tax-friendly environment. IFZA provides competitive Free Zone Business License packages, efficient incorporation services and an expert team with up-to-date knowledge on rules and regulations to ensure that your client’s business foundation is laid in a timely and secure manner.

Website: www.ifza.com

 

MAIN SPONSOR

Al Shirawi Contracting Company LLC

A market leader in the specialist field of Waterproofing for the past 50 years, Al Shirawi Contracting Company has been a part of the country's developmental fabric since its inception. While waterproofing is a prerequisite for all types of infrastructure, protecting the building's envelope and structure from natural weathering is equally significant. That's where Al Shirawi Futureproofing comes into play -- a one-of-a-kind service that provides solutions to help improve the service life of built assets and preserves the building's envelope and systems by protecting it from the harmful effects of time. It is, as they say, the next best thing to being ageless.

The Futureproofing division undertakes the following specialist services for complex structures:

• Concrete crack injection works
• Structural concrete repairs
• Soil stabilisation and slab jacking
• Anti-corrosion coating 
• Anti-carbonation coating
• Metal roof repairs and renovation
• Expansion joint covers and solutions

The group's strategic tie-ups with prestigious global partners is what helps them provide services that are not just unique but promise superior quality. One such global partner is Los Angeles based-MAXON Technologies. An innovator in corrosion prevention and concrete treatment for heavy industries, MAXON Technologies has revolutionised the field of rust and corrosion treatment. They aim to help protect your built assets, especially iron, steel, aluminium and concrete encased metals from weathering as well as from exposure to chemicals. Their award-winning products help our clients by minimising downtime and maximising maintenance intervals. With a manufacturing facility spanning over 70,000 square feet, they boast of high-quality eco-friendly and cost-effective products that bear the prestigious Greenguard UL2818 Gold certification.

Website: www.alshirawicontracting.com/

 

CO-SPONSORS

Hildon Water:

Hildon is an English Natural Mineral Water which lies deep within the chalk hills of Hampshire, as a result it is of the highest quality. Bottled at its source on the Hildon Estate in Hampshire and Imported from the UK, it is distributed exclusively by Top Shelf Beverages in the region, Hildon Natural Mineral Water is a proud sponsor and supporter of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2016.

Website: www.hildon.com

Diamond Lease:

Diamondlease L.L.C, a fully owned subsidiary of the Al Habtoor Group, was established in 1996 to offer automotive rental and leasing solutions, as an alternative to owning and maintaining vehicles, to Corporate and Individual customers in the UAE. Diamond lease serves more than 700 companies and multinational conglomerates operating in UAE, handling and managing their transportation requirements.

Diamondlease is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company with a fleet of over 8400 vehicles. It was the first local Car Rental Company in UAE to receive an ISO certification and has proudly held the accreditation since 1999. In recognition of its sound business ethics and outstanding customer service, Diamondlease was one of the first car rental companies to have been nominated as a member of the prestigious Dubai Service Excellence Scheme (DSES) in 2003. Diamondlease has been awarded the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Travel Awards being adjudged the “Best Car Rental Company” – Local Brand for 7 years in a row.

Website: www.diamondlease.com

Firestop Middle East:

Firestop Middle East is a single-source contractor specializing in the installation of duct sealing, firestop systems, smoke seal products, acoustic cladding and baffles. We provide professional expertise on new or retrofit projects. We specialize in areas such as High Rise Residential, Commercial and Industrial Buildings as well as Medical Facilities. The company is firmly committed to providing the best possible service and quality to its customers. We take a professional approach and insist on the highest standards of installation and customer service.

Website: http://www.firestopme.com/

 

MEDIA PARTNERS

Polo Line TV:

PLTV is the first online streaming polo site, broadcasting over 25 tournaments LIVE per year around the globe, reaching +200k viewers. The production and edition of exclusive content makes PLTV the most comprehensive polo channel in the world.

Website: https://www.pololine.tv/

Al Badia:

Since 2008, Al Badia the prestigious Arabic venture is devoted to bringing the latest news and views on the equestrian world, Polo sporting and lifestyle. In fact, it is a tribute to the age-old passion for the thoroughbred, an integral part of the rich Arabian culture.

Al Badia focuses a gamut of information on the highly valued sport of horseracing, including information about events taking place in the Arab world and about organizations and services sought by equestrians of all disciplines. Besides being a specialized lifestyle magazine to meet the refined taste of the equestrian community, it features a wide range of information including very exclusive coverages like interviews of the Sheikhs and the who’s who of the Arab world. It targets the crème de la crème of the society and is widely circulated across different regions of the Gulf & Middle East.

Al Badia is a good platform to showcase premium brands, as it has a wide readership comprising sports enthusiasts, socialites, eminent personalities, celebrities and the royalty.

Website: http://albadiamagazine.com/

Sport 360 X:

Sport360X is a leading digital publisher and sports consultancy agency. Known in the region for almost a decade as the leading sports publisher in Arabic and English, Sport360X is the embodiment of sporting passion. We represent the voice of sports fans, creating unique and engaging content consumed by millions every month. Building on this expertise and passion, Sport360X also helps others tell their sporting story. Combining knowledge with creativity, Sport360X offers a wide-range of sports related services such as strategy and brand development, content creation, events and conferences, athlete and influencer management, and much more.

Website: http://www.sport360x.com/

 

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Dubai Sports Council:

Dubai Sports Council is the official government body responsible for the development of the sport sector in the Emirate of Dubai. Under the Chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and its 14 Board Members; the Council supervises the work of nine local clubs in Dubai, six of which practice a variety of individual and or team sports, such as football, handball and archery; in addition to the chess club and a club devoted for those with special needs.

Since its inception in 2006, with the vision of creating a unique sporting community, the Council organizes various annual major Sports Championships and Conferences, in cooperation with multiple International/National sports bodies and Dubai Government Entities, such as the Dubai International Sports Conference, Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup and the FINA Diving World Series; in an attempt to enhance the culture, knowledge and expertise of professionalism in all aspects of the field; from the overall preparation and/or execution of the event.

Dubai became the first Arab and Middle East city to host the Sport Accord International Convention in 2010, and stages the annual Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award, the most prestigious Award of the Middle East Region. Though the Council works on various major international sports events, it does not overlook the importance of spreading the awareness of a healthier, more active lifestyle locally; and in order to achieve such objectives, physical activity programs and initiatives, such as the Dubai Pulse Physical Activity program, the Furjan District Championships and the Dubai Beach Soccer League, have all been designed to target the various communities within the Emirate.

Website: http://www.dsc.ae/

Emirates Polo Association:

Renowned for their beauty, loyalty, strength and intelligence, the Arabian horse is as much a part of Arab tradition as the camel or falcon. The love and respect for these fine creatures, and their descendants, has been evident first from the very formation of the United Arab Emirates.

His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late ruler of the UAE established Ghantoot Polo Club in 1994 as the only Royal facility in the UAE. Today the patron of the Ghantoot Polo Team, his son His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, continues his legacy through his love of the sport.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, has long been captivated by the sheer power, elegance, speed and grace of horses and is heavily involved in many equestrian sports.

The UAE’s first polo club dates back to 1974, and today there are four active polo clubs between the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai – Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Desert Palm Polo Club, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club.

Website: https://www.emiratespoloassociation.com/

ABOUT DUBAI POLO GOLD CUP SERIES

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series was founded in 2009 by Mohammed Al Habtoor, patron of the Habtoor Polo team. Growing rapidly every year, the Gold Cup (Dubai Open) was recognized by the World Polo Tour (WPT); in January 2014, the WPT committee credited the Gold Cup tournament as the highest competition in terms of points within the WPT Challenge Cup category, elevating it to 50 points for the winner. 2015 marked the first time ever that the WPT upgraded the Gold Cup Tournament from ‘Challenge Cup’ to the highly coveted ‘WPT Cup’, resulting in winners receiving 60 points. In 2017, the tournament was moved up to WPT Championship Cup – the highest competition point-wise, awarding its winners with 125 points. The Silver Cup is ranked under the WPT Cup category, with 60 points for winners and the Dubai Challenge Cup falls under the WPT Challenge Cup Category, awarding its winners with 20 points.

Dubai Gold Cup Series is proud to be the only tournament series with this exclusive accreditation in the GCC and MENA Region, ranking it among the best polo tournaments worldwide.