RICHARD MILLE ALULA DESERT POLO 17 - 20 JANUARY 2024 EVENT BROCHURE
RM UP-01 FERRARI Ultra-flat manual winding calibre 1.75 millimetres thin 45-hour power reserve (± 10%) Baseplate, bridges and case in grade 5 titanium Patented ultra-flat escapement Function selector Limited edition of 150 pieces
A Racing Machine On The Wrist
Carvings on the sandstone rock face show humanity’s relationship with equestrian, making AlUla Desert Polo a fitting home for Saudi Arabia’s past as well as a guiding light towards its new sporting future. Follow in the footsteps of ancient tribes who first tamed wild horses in order to travel vast distances in the spirit of exploration, trade and curiosity. Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo is the modern embodiment of generations of harnessed equine grace and athleticism and a true evolution in the sport. This unique event is a new concept in the sport placing the spectator at the heart of the action where heritage, culture and hospitality converge. AlUla lets you walk in the shadows of 200,000 years of human history and discover a true ancient wonder in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while enjoying an action-packed sporting spectacle with all the comfort and luxury associated with the ‘Sport of Kings’.
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ABOUT THE EVENT The 3rd edition of the highly successful; Desert Polo Tournament. Positioning AlUla as a key winter destination for International Polo. In 2024, Richard Mille Desert Polo Tournament will host 8 professional teams at AlFursan Equestrian Village, overlooking magnificent views of rock formations, including The Hand located behind our tournament field. This year the inclusion of female polo players is to be noted. Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo is the only modern polo tournament in the world to be staged in a desert environment, some of the world’s greatest polo players will be partaking in the tournament as well as certain prominent figures. With 2 editions already implemented in 2020 and 2022 respectively, the tournament has
become
Royal
a
key
component
Commission for AlUla’s
of
the
equestrian
commitment to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s longheld historic ties to horsemanship heritage, culture and the arts. Since its initiation, the tournament is held in cooperation with the Saudi Polo Federation (SPF). Previous editions included participations from royalties, invited patrons and professionals to play alongside La Dolfina, previously known as the number one polo team in the world. Moreover, La Dolfina’s founder, Adolfo Cambiaso, is considered to be the best polo player of all time.
ABOUT THE DESTINATION ALULA Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West
Current research also suggests Hegra was the
Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary
most southern outpost of the Roman Empire
natural and human heritage. The vast area,
after conquering the Nabataeans in 106 CE.
covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and
In addition to Hegra, AlUla is home to a
ancient cultural heritage sites dating back
fascinating
thousands of years to when the Lihyan and
sites such as: Ancient Dadan, the capital
Nabataean kingdoms reigned. The most well-
of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms, which
known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra,
is considered one of the most developed
Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage
1st-millennium BCE cities of the Arabian
Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was
Peninsula; thousands of ancient rock art sites
the principal southern city of the Nabataean
and inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah; Old Town, a
Kingdom and is comprised of more than 100
labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes
well preserved tombs with elaborate facades
developed from at least the 12th century.
cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement.
Follow AlUla’s exciting news online by searching @ExperienceAlUla #AlUla #AlUlamoments
historical
and
archaeological
ABOUT EQUESTRIAN IN ALULA Arabia is the ancestral homeland of horses. AlUla’s landscapes have been traversed by horsemen since ancient times, as evidenced in stories passed down generations and visible in the rock art. Horses are part of AlUla’s millennia of history and identity. The experience of horseback riding amongst the desert splendour, the unique rock formations, retracing the trails and valleys of past civilisations, will create unforgettable memories. Every stone and every view has a story to tell, every valley invites us to explore. The vision of the equestrian sector is to make AlUla a unique destination to enjoy a living horse experience tailored around heritage and the beauty of the landscapes. AlUla aims to be a must-do destination for any horse enthusiast in the region.
EVENT SCHEDULE DAY 1 + 2 WEDNESDAY, 17 JANUARY 2024 - DAY 1
START
END
Venue Opens for Polo Clinics
10:00
12:00
Venue Opens to All Guests
12:00
16:00
Polo Match 1
13:15
14:05
Polo Match 2
14:50
15:40
Venue Closes*
17:00
-
THURSDAY, 18 JANUARY 2024 - DAY 2
START
END
Venue Opens for Polo Clinics
10:00
12:00
Venue Opens to All Guests
12:00
16:00
Polo Match 3
13:15
14:05
Polo Match 4
14:50
15:40
Venue Closes*
17:00
-
EVENT SCHEDULE DAY 3 + 4 (WEEKEND) FRIDAY, 19 JANUARY 2024 - DAY 3
START
END
Venue Opens for Polo Clinics
10:00
12:00
Venue Opens to All Guests
12:00
18:00
Polo Match 5
12:30
13:20
Polo Match 6
14:05
14:55
Polo Match 7
15:40
16:30
Polo Match 8
17:15
18:05
Venue Closes*
19:00
-
SATURDAY, 20 JANUARY 2024 - DAY 4
START
END
Venue Opens for Polo Clinics
10:00
12:00
Venue Opens to All Guests
12:00
Polo Match 9 - Subsidiary Final
12:30
13:20
Polo Match 10 - Final
14:05
14:55
Venue Closes
17:30
-
ABOUT SAUDI POLO FEDERATION The Saudi Polo Federation (SPF) was established in July 2018 as a means of developing the sport across The Kingdom and establishing international best practice from grass roots to elite levels. Aligned with key government stakeholders such as the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Olympic Committee, the SPF works to further establish Saudi polo in a global context, continuing the work already undertaken by Saudi’s private polo patrons on the international stage. The SPF seeks to encourage the sport among young Saudi men and women in accordance with the goals set out in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, while reflecting the transformational journey taking place in Saudi Arabia. @SaudiPolo #SaudiPolo
HOW TO BOOK GETTING TO ALULA
To book a travel package to AlUla, please contact your local travel agent.
FLIGHTS
Activities Tickets can be purchased from: experiencealula.com
Saudia connects AlUla through both Riyadh and Jeddah, offering
Packages can also be purchased via our Preferred Partner DMCs:
visitors access to the destination from across its global network, with
Abercrombie & Kent: info@abercrombiekent.sa
multiple flights per week.
AlUla Guide: info@alula-guide.com Discover Saudi: info@discoversaudi.sa
Saudia will also be connecting Paris and AlUla with once weekly direct
DMC Arabia: reservations@kurbantours.com
flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to AlUla International
EXO Travel: exotravel.com
Airport from 7 January until 10 March 2024.
GoZahid: info@zahidtravel.com Tetrapylon: Saudi@tetrapylon.com
flynas connects AlUla and Dammam with two weekly direct flights,
The Travelling Panther (TTP): info@ttpanther.com
scheduled on Thursdays and Saturdays, from Dammam International Airport to AlUla International Airport. flynas connects AlUla and Cairo with two weekly direct flights, scheduled on Thursdays and Saturdays, from Cairo International Airport and AlUla International Airport. flydubai connects AlUla and Dubai via two weekly direct flights, scheduled on Thursdays and Sundays, from Dubai International Airport to AlUla International Airport. Qatar Airways connects AlUla and Doha with two weekly direct flights, scheduled on Fridays and Sundays, from Hamad International Airport to AlUla International Airport.
PRIVATE JET AlUla International Airport includes a luxury terminal that can accommodate private jets arriving domestically and internationally. The airport is located 25 kilometers from AlUla town. VISA Applying for a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia is easy. If you are from one of the 63 eligible countries, you can apply through the eVisa website. The eVisa is a one-year, multiple entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country. Apply on visa.visitsaudi.com (If your country is not on the list contact the nearest Saudi Arabia Embassy)
TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT EXPERIENCEALULA.COM
EXPERIENCES NOT TO BE MISSED ALULA OLD TOWN
LUDOVICO AT HEGRA CANDLELIT CLASSICS
This enchanting event combines meditative music of Ludovico Einaudi with the glow of candlelight and a magical setting. Set in the UNESCO site of Hegra, this spellbinding concert will feature beautifully meditative and minimalistic music. Together with a captivating setting and sea of candles providing a touch of soft lighting will add to the magic of this very special musical experience. Ludovico Einaudi is an influential Italian pianist celebrated for his cinematic yet minimalist piano compositions. These emotionally charged works have made him a prominent, respected figure in the world of modern classical music.
The Old Town of AlUla has been awarded the title of Best Tourism Village 2023 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization ALULA OLD TOWN (UNWTO). Explore its labyrinth of tightly packed streets, hundreds or mudbrick houses and the mighty fort, and you will feel a sense of its history a once-thriving on ancient incense trading routes. The Oldas Town of AlUla hassettlement been awarded the title of Best Tourism
HEGRA AFTER DARK This enchanting immersive experience is inspired by the spirit of the Incense Road and the Nabataean civilisation who once called these grounds their Kingdom. After arriving by horse and carriage, you're taken on a multi-sensory journey of captivating flavours and fragrances, fascinating storytelling and illuminated spectacles.
Village 2023 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Explore its labyrinth of tightly packed streets, hundreds or mudbrick houses and the mighty fort, and you will feel a sense of its history as a once-thriving settlement on ancient incense trading routes.
ELEPHANT ROCK Set among dramatic desert landscape and soaring 52 metres into the sky, Elephant Rock is AlUla’s most iconic geological ELEPHANT ROCK recognisable form, with its distinctive trunk marvel. The instantly and body, was shaped by wind and water erosion over the course of years. desert landscape and soaring 52 metres Setmillions amongof dramatic into the sky, Elephant Rock is AlUla’s most iconic geological marvel. The instantly recognisable form, with its distinctive trunk and body, was shaped by wind and water erosion over the course of millions of years.
HARRAT VIEWPOINT AlUla is blessed with numerous lookout points that offer an elevated view of the epic landscape. Scale the black lava stone terrain of Harrat HARRATand VIEWPOINT Uwayrid, you’ll be rewarded with views over Dadan, AlUla Old Town, AlUla Fort and the AlUla Oasis. Arrive before sundown to soak up the sights and sounds of numerous the goldenlookout hour, when thethat sky’s orange glow adds a AlUla is blessed with points offer an elevated magical touch everythingScale you see. view of the epictolandscape. the black lava stone terrain of Harrat
SWISS ORCHESTRA AT MARAYA
HEGRA BY HORSE CARRIAGE SUNRISE & SUNSET EXPERIENCE
Don’t miss out on what is sure to be a stirring night of musical excellence with the Swiss Orchestra. Performing for the first time at the Maraya, this world-class ensemble will immerse the audience in a mix of Swiss symphonic and more familiar classical favourites.
Explore Hegra at sunrise or sunset, as the ancient Nabataeans would have, atop a handcrafted wooden horse carriage.
Uwayrid, and you’ll be rewarded with views over Dadan, AlUla Old Town, AlUla Fort and the AlUla Oasis. Arrive before sundown to soak up the sights and sounds of the golden hour, when the sky’s orange glow adds a magical touch to everything you see.
DADAN Amongst the most significant discoveries in all of AlUla is the city of Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms. The DADAN city, which was built meticulously from stone and astride the valley’s oasis, dates back between the late 9th and early 8th century BCE of Dadan) and 5th–2nd century Amongst the(Kingdom most significant discoveries in all of AlUla BCE is the city (Kingdom of Dadan, of theLihyan) capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms. The city, which was built meticulously from stone and astride the valley’s oasis, dates back between the late 9th and early 8th century BCE (Kingdom of Dadan) and 5th–2nd century BCE (Kingdom of Lihyan) MARAYA SOCIAL BY JASON ATHERTON
MARAYA Indulge at SOCIAL a spectacular work of a masterpiece, Maraya Social. Operated by BY JASON ATHERTON Michelin star Chef Jason Atherton, Maraya Social sits atop of Maraya Hall, overlooking picturesque sceneries of architecture from the Nabataen Civilization. This two-hour adventure takes you through Jabal Ikmah Valley by buggy and on foot as you the wonder is Maraya. Maraya Social. Operated by Indulge at aexplore spectacular work ofthat a masterpiece,
WADI ALNAAM' DISCOVERY TOUR
Michelin star Chef Jason Atherton, Maraya Social sits atop of Maraya Hall, overlooking picturesque sceneries of architecture from the Nabataen Civilization. This two-hour adventure takes you through Jabal Ikmah Valley by buggy and on foot as you explore the wonder that is Maraya.
Journey into the spectacular landscape of 'Wadi AlNaam' and discover how the peoples of Dadan once roamed ancient trails, hunting for native ostriches. This two-hour adventure takes you deep into Jabal Ikmah Valley – recently inducted into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Travel by buggy and on foot as you explore this fascinating inscription-rich site, enjoy traditional Arabian hospitality and bask in the beauty of some breathtaking views.
ENTRECÔTE CAFÉ DE PARIS This classic Parisian-style restaurant serves a sumptuous steak frites set menuENTRECÔTE enhanced by DE PARIS a secret sauce and stunningCAFÉ Old Town views. This classic Parisian-style restaurant serves a sumptuous steak frites set menu enhanced by a secret sauce and stunning Old Town views.
HEGRA WILDLIFE & NATURE TOUR Climb aboard your ride and explore the magical landscape of Hegra. From its epic rock formations to thriving wildlife, you’ll discover the rich natural beauty of Hegra’s nature reserve. You’ll learn about its fascinating human stories too, through spectacular tombs, inscriptions and rock art.
SAFFRON Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature Thai restaurant, offers guests the quintessential taste of contemporary Thai Cuisine prepared by Thai chefs - the first of its kind in AlUla.
KHAYBAR HERITAGE TOUR
ALULA HOT AIR BALLOONS
With its striking volcanic KHAYBAR HERITAGE desert ecosystem and TOUR rich historical significance, Khaybar is whereits culture, heritage With striking volcanic and nature meet. Join desert ecosystem and this historical tour and explore rich this destination that significance, Khaybar is has redefined what we where culture, heritage know aboutmeet. the Arabian and nature Join Peninsula's history. this tour and explore
There is no other way to truly take HOT AIR in AlUla in all itsALULA glory than with a BALLOONS sunrise hot air balloon flight. There is no other way to truly take in AlUla in all its glory than with a sunrise hot air balloon flight.
this destination that has redefined what we know about the Arabian Peninsula's history.
SASS' ALULA Replicating the iconic original, this glamorous fine dining venue brings SASS' Monaco's style and DJ sets to AlUla.
For more information visit experiencealula.com
SASS' ALULA
For more information visit experiencealula.com
SASS' ALULA
experiencealula.com