The final of the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge in Dubai, UAE, was attended by Royals, celebrities, socialites, and, of course, some of the best polo players in the world.

One of the most prestigious happenings on Dubai’s sporting and social calendar and now in its 10^th year, the final was held at Desert Palm Resort & Polo Club, on February 21. 

The event’s patron, HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, the wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was present at the final.

The annual event was first held in March 2006. This year, for the first time, six teams battled it out for the trophy in what has become regarded as the most celebrated tournament of the year.

In the final, the Desert Palm team featuring Rashid Albwardy and Alan Meeker took the win, defeating the UAE Polo Team patroned by HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum 10-4. 

Unfortunately, a sandstorm forced the cancellation of the subsidiary Desert Palm Trophy on pony welfare grounds and so Cartier Red and Abu Dhabi tied for third place. 

Among attendees at the event were HRH Prince Abbas bin Ali bin Nayef of Jordan accompanied by his wife, HRH Princess Sima Al Abbas and HRH Princess Yasmine bint Asem bin Nayef; the Marquess of Blandford George Spencer-Churchill, the global brand ambassador of La Martina; American socialite Olivia Palermo; and Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama. 

Also in attendance were eminent Dubai businessman Ali Albwardy, the owner of Dubai Polo Country Club; and Laurent Gaborit, Cartier's regional managing director for the Middle East, India and Africa.

Following the game, guests continued to enjoy a wonderful atmosphere and admire the elegant setting of the event, delighting in Cartier’s exquisite hospitality. 

Spectators enjoyed a sumptuous afternoon tea and were welcomed at the Cartier Villa that was transformed beautifully to premiere the brand’s new Clé de Cartier watch creations. 

This outstanding collection was presented for the first time following its global launch at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva, Switzerland, in January.

It will be available in all boutiques worldwide starting April 2015.

The six teams that competed in challenge were: 

Desert Palm: Alan Meeker (0); Rashid Albwardy (2); Tom Brodie (2); Diego Cavanagh (8).

UAE Polo Team: Sandra Schneider (-1); HH Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum (0); Santiago Stirling (4); Lucas Monteverde (9).

Cartier Red: Clive Reid (0); Martin Valent (2); Tariq Albwardy (1); Matias Zavaleta (7).

Abu Dhabi: Faris Al Yabhouni (0); Nasser Al Shamsi (1); Ernesto Oscar Trotz (4); Alfredo Cappella (7).

Cartier White: Rashid Al Habtoor (0); Khalaf Al Habtoor (-1); Joaquin Pittaluga (7); Nacho Gonzalez (6).  

Guards: HRH Prince Abbas bin Ali bin Nayef (0); Amr Zedan (0); Pablo Casero (2); Pablo MacDonough (10).