The harsh summer months here demand that residents get away to cooler climes, and Europe is a logical choice. The Al Habtoor family has taken the summer break to new heights - they are using their time to popularize the ‘sport of Kings’ in Europe. This year, the Al Habtoor Polo Team toured Spain and France with their goal being to promote the game of polo and give the Europeans an idea of how the sport is played in Dubai.

The team associated itself with two of the most prestigious polo competitions this year; Saint Tropez in France, and Sotogrande in Marbella in Spain. “Besides participating in such prestigious events, it is the sheer growth [of the team] that hits you,” stated Justo del Carril, the Argentinean professional who plays for the Al Habtoor Team while also being the polo manager for the Dubai owners. “We all learned, we grew and most importantly, we enjoyed playing in both these tournaments,” del Carril added.

The Al Habtoor Team commenced their campaign with the Tonanejo Polo Tournament in Marbella, Spain in the second quarter of July. This was the second time for the Dubai outfit at this event after Rashid Al Habtoor and Mohammad Al Habtoor had represented the UAE in the prestigious 2007 Sotogrande Summer Season. Last season, they also played the Kapa Polo Tournament, and the Fundador Zobel Tournament. They were successful with the team winning all three games at the Kapa Polo Tournament played over 8 handicaps, while also triumphing at the prestigious 15 handicap tournament in Sotogrande.

The second tournament was the Al Habtoor Deutsche Bank Polo Exhibition held at the Polo Club Saint Tropez in France. Leading the Dubai outfit from the front was skipper Mohammad Al Habtoor. Mohammad, known for his fighting qualities and vigour in front of goal, scored four goals as his team cruised to an exciting 7-6 win against brother, Rashid Al Habtoor's team.

The match was played over four chukkas and a 16-goal handicap for both teams. Ably assisting Mohammad’s goal scoring skills were; the five-handicapped del Carril, the four-handicapped Matias Nigoul, and the hard-working Juanjo Bran, playing off an eight handicap. The Rashid Al Habtoor team had the six-handicapper Francisco Irastorza, five-handicapper Juan Martin Garcia Laborde and Diego Braun playing off a five handicap.

This was the first time that the Al Habtoor Polo Team had participated in the Saint Tropez tournament with the Al Habtoor Polo Team getting the better of Santa Maria 9-7 in the final. The team led by young Habtoor Al Habtoor won the low handicap tournament with his teammates Gabriel Iglesias, P. Berasadi and M. Gayero. The team led by Mohammad Al Habtoor took the runner-up slot in the Medium Goal Tournament along with team-mates Justo Del Carril, F. Castagneola and Munoz Escassi. “I am happy because we could give a true account of our team and of Dubai as a destination,” del Carril said.

The highlight was definitely the father and son combination between Mohammad and Habtoor Al Habtoor. Both not only displayed exceptional skills during the games, but proved to be worthy exponents of the sport. However, it was certainly Mohammad Al Habtoor hogging the limelight with his four-goal scoring spree. The exhibition was attended by a large and specially-invited audience.

After the tournament in France, the Al Habtoor Group Team returned to the UAE to regroup for the domestic season that starts later this month. “The aim of the Al Habtoor Polo Team is to show Dubai to the world. Maybe the Europeans have a different concept of what Dubai is, so we were like ambassadors not only for the sport but for the country as well,” stated del Carril. “Undeniably, the stunning display of talent and skill from the Al Habtoor Polo Team over the years in different arenas around the world has marked the Dubai brand internationally,” he added.

“The Al Habtoor Polo Team is determined to excel more and be known as one of the best polo teams,” he further added.

The teams: Mohammed Al Habtoor, Justo Del Carril (5 handicap), F. Castagneola (6 handicap), Munoz Escassi (1 handicap); Habtoor Al Habtoor, Gabriel Iglesias (3 handicap), P. Berasadi (3 handicap), M.Gayero (0 handicap).