Sheikha Alia Leads Ghantoot Polo in Pink Charity Match

Published: October 25, 2026, 11:25 pm

Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club is set to launch its 2026–2027 season on Saturday, October 31, with the 17th annual Pink Polo event. Held under the patronage of the club’s Chairman, Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the tournament serves as both a sporting season opener and a significant humanitarian initiative focused on breast cancer awareness.

A centerpiece of the event is the exhibition match featuring Sheikha Alia Al Maktoum, who will captain the Ghantoot Polo side against the Elite Group Holding team, led by Ahmed Al Nuaimi. This match highlights the club’s commitment to sportsmanship and solidarity, using the platform of professional polo to advocate for early detection and preventive health screening.

Saeed Bin Houfan Al Mansouri, Vice Chairman of the club’s Board of Directors, emphasized that the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan underscores the event’s enduring importance. He noted that the initiative remains a vital component of the club’s ongoing dedication to national health efforts, having successfully promoted awareness for over 16 years.

The event is organized in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, which acts as the governing partner, and Burjeel Hospitals, which serves as the official medical partner. To support the cause, Burjeel will provide free breast cancer screening services for attendees, complete with a specialized medical team and a mobile mammography unit designed to improve public access to preventive care.

Beyond professional play, the 17th edition will spotlight graduates from the “Fares Abu Dhabi” programme. This initiative, which focuses on teaching equestrian sports and skill development, provides participants a rare opportunity to engage with the sport’s professional community and gain firsthand experience in a major tournament environment. These participants gain both technical training and an understanding of the values surrounding social responsibility.

The day’s activities are diverse, featuring an exhibition by the Irish Gaelic Football Association to foster cultural and community engagement, alongside a junior polo match designed to showcase upcoming Emirati talent. These activities aim to draw a wide demographic, including families and sports fans, to the club’s grounds.

The humanitarian goals of the event emphasize community solidarity with those affected by cancer, focusing on the importance of emotional and social support throughout medical treatment. By integrating these messages into a lively entertainment and sporting programme, the club aims to encourage consistent health monitoring across all segments of society.

Organizing committees have confirmed that all logistical preparations are finalized, with a comprehensive schedule of sporting and entertainment events prepared to maximize impact. Club leadership has extended a formal invitation to the public and sports enthusiasts to attend the festivities and participate in the various community-focused initiatives hosted throughout the day.