H.E. Massimo Baggi, Swiss Ambassador to the UAE and Bahrain, in collaboration with Reto Gaudenzi, CEO World Polo GmbH, organized a polo friendship game in Dubai. The event was staged in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland.
The tournament took place on March 19 at the Ali Albwardy’s Desert Palm Polo Club. Team Dubai won the exciting final, defeating Team St. Moritz/Switzerland by 5 to 3.
The original idea for the polo friendship game in Dubai came from Ambassador Massimo, himself a passionate polo player. He decided to present it to his long-time friend Reto. The Snow Polo World Cup founder was immediately enthusiastic and spontaneously agreed to support Massimo in planning and implementing the games.
The extraordinary project quickly aroused the interest of Marijana Jakic, brand manager of St. Moritz and member of the Management Board ESTM. The destination used the high-calibre platform as the main sponsor to perfectly showcase St. Moritz’s unique diversity in this important market. In addition, the two event partners SWISS and Switzerland Tourism were also on hand to invite their partners, tour operators, and customers to the event.
The anniversary weekend kicked off with a cocktail reception for the players at the Swiss Residence in Abu Dhabi. The next day, the event started at the Desert Palm Polo Club with the presentation of the two teams St. Moritz/Switzerland and Dubai. The private polo club is one of the most beautiful and prestigious in the UAE and belongs to the renowned businessman Ali. Following the award ceremony, the guests enjoyed themselves with exclusive dishes and cocktails, bringing the afternoon to a stylish close.
