In a significant development for the UAE’s sports marketing and sports sponsorship landscape, Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), one of the leading hospitality groups in the region, has announced a landmark ten-year sponsorship agreement with Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, a premier polo and equestrian destination in the UAE. This multi-year partnership not only underscores the continuing importance of sports branding in the region but also highlights a strategic alignment between two iconic entities deeply rooted in Emirati heritage, tradition, and excellence in their respective sectors.
The long-term sponsorship deal between ADNH and Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club eloquently marries the elegance and prestige of polo, a sport synonymous with curation, skill, and heritage, with the world-class luxury, sophistication, and hospitality embodied by Abu Dhabi National Hotels and its portfolio of high-end properties across the UAE. The partnership is designed to serve as a platform for mutual growth and brand enhancement, leveraging the strengths of both organizations to amplify their presence both locally and internationally.
Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the selection of Abu Dhabi National Hotels as the club’s official sponsor reflects mutual trust and a shared commitment to promoting sport in the UAE and beyond. ADNH’s support as a main sponsor at all Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club’s events and championships provides a solid foundation for elevating the profile of one of the region’s most prestigious sporting venues.
On the hospitality side, Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Sultan Suroor Aldhahiri, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADNH, commented on the collaboration, emphasizing their joint commitment to excellence and the art of hospitality. This sponsorship allows ADNH to showcase its dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences while celebrating the UAE’s rich cultural heritage.
Khalid Anib, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Hotels, emphasized that this partnership highlights ADNH’s commitment to supporting traditional and cultural sporting events that resonate with UAE’s identity. He noted that the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club exemplifies values of excellence, heritage, and prestige that align perfectly with ADNH’s mission.
Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club is more than just a sporting venue; it is a symbol of prestige and tradition in the UAE’s sports ecosystem. The club is renowned for hosting exclusive polo matches, equestrian events, and cultural initiatives that attract high society, families, media attention, and corporate sponsorship. Its annual hallmark event, Pink Polo, epitomizes the seamless integration of sports sponsorship and social impact, raising breast cancer awareness through a festive and elegant sporting occasion.
The Pink Polo event is a prime example of the club’s commitment to social causes alongside sports branding. It draws thousands of attendees to enjoy polo matches, live entertainment, family activities, and a health awareness campaign supported by medical partners offering early screening. This blend of elite sport, community engagement, and brand activations makes the Ghantoot club a valuable platform for sponsors like ADNH who seek to enhance their brand while contributing to society.
The partnership between ADNH and Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club highlights the evolution of sports sponsorships beyond mere brand placement into experiential engagements. ADNH’s portfolio—featuring luxury hotel brands across Abu Dhabi and the UAE—will provide hospitality experiences around the club’s marquee events, creating rich customer journeys for guests, sponsors, and participants.
Such sports sponsorships are vital for creating emotional connections between brands and their audiences. ADNH’s involvement is expected to facilitate world-class hospitality experiences, exclusive VIP packages, and enriched event activations that boost the overall appeal for corporate clients and polo fans alike.
This landmark sponsorship represents a strategic advancement in UAE’s sports marketing ecosystem. It demonstrates how traditional luxury brands and sporting clubs can collaborate innovatively to generate mutual benefits and enhance sports branding for both parties. It also reflects the growing importance of long-term sports sponsorship deals in providing stability and enabling the development of premium events with lasting social and commercial impacts.
Moreover, ADNH’s sponsorship echoes wider trends in sports sponsorships where hospitality groups leverage sporting events to build brand equity, customer loyalty, and network influence. It reinforces the UAE’s position as a global hub where luxury lifestyle, sports, culture, and business intersect seamlessly.
Looking ahead, the partnership signals a vibrant future for polo and equestrian sports in the UAE with Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club’s packed event calendar including tournaments like the Emirates Polo Championship International, the Pink Polo event, charity matches, and the prestigious UAE Polo Cup. Each of these events offers various sponsorship and activation opportunities that brands like ADNH will explore to maximize exposure and audience engagement.
The annual Pink Polo event, specifically, stands out as an exceptional platform for sports sponsorships that combine elite sport with a compelling social cause. Scheduled for November 8, 2025, this event attracts local and international visitors, providing sponsors with a unique arena to extend their brand storytelling in a setting of high societal visibility.
The Abu Dhabi National Hotels and Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club sponsorship collaboration is a shining example of the power of sports marketing and sports sponsorships in the region. It merges the tradition, sophistication, and sporting heritage of the club with the luxury, hospitality, and global reach of ADNH. This partnership is poised to elevate the sporting and hospitality landscapes, providing enriching experiences for guests, athletes, communities, and brands alike.
As the UAE continues to assert its position in global sports branding, partnerships like this drive forward the vibrant industry of sports sponsorships, combining excellence with social value, tradition with innovation, and community with global appeal.
Sources: Zawya, Hotel and Catering ME, Instagram (ADNH), Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club press releases, Trix20 research, Arabian Business, LinkedIn (ADNH), Eventbrite (Pink Polo 2025)
