On November 21, 2025, Dubai will become the backdrop for a groundbreaking fusion of sport and culture - the inaugural Legacy Cup. This unique event is a collaboration between Polo Xperience and the Big Art Festival, a partnership designed to merge the worlds of elite athleticism and contemporary artistry. The day's activities will unfold across two iconic venues: the renowned Al Habtoor Polo Club and the newly inaugurated Billionaire Dubai at the Mandarin Oriental Downtown.

At the heart of the day's program lies an eagerly anticipated polo match, pitting the Monte-Carlo Polo Team against the Mahra Polo Team. The Monte-Carlo team, founded in 2012 by Rommy Gianni, is no stranger to the international spotlight. With a storied history that includes three consecutive victories at the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz - an unparalleled achievement in the tournament’s history - the team has built a reputation for both skill and sophistication. Their participation in this event signals a desire to not only compete but also to advance the role of polo as a cultural force, beyond its traditional boundaries.

The Legacy Cup is part of a broader vision by Polo Xperience to redefine the sport, positioning it as both a prestigious athletic competition and a dynamic cultural platform. The initiative seeks to bridge the worlds of sport, art, and high society, creating a space where elite athletes, global influencers, and the artistic community can converge. It reflects Dubai’s growing status as a city that is not just a hub for business but also for cultural exchange and innovation.

Following the polo match, the evening will transition from sport to spectacle. The Big Art Festival, a prominent cultural initiative spearheaded by Berin Iglesias Art, will curate an extraordinary gala that blends live performance with visual art and fine dining. Known for its ability to bring together top-tier artists and performers, the festival’s presence in Dubai underscores the city’s commitment to fostering high-profile cultural experiences. Headlining the evening's performance is Zivert, a Russian pop sensation whose work is characterized by a strong visual and choreographic dimension, ensuring that the evening will be as much about artistic expression as it is about entertainment.

The gala will take place at Billionaire Dubai, the latest addition to the luxury nightlife brand founded by Italian entrepreneur Flavio Briatore. This venue, which opened its doors at the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, is a fitting setting for an event of this scale - combining sophisticated design, gastronomy, and stagecraft. It will offer a unique atmosphere that perfectly complements the event’s blend of sport and performance.

Yet the Legacy Cup is more than just an event; it is a statement about the evolving nature of cultural and social gatherings. It underscores the increasing relevance of traditional sports, like polo, in an era where cultural expression and athleticism are intertwined. In cities like Dubai, which are positioning themselves as crossroads of global commerce, art, and entertainment, events like this serve as a reminder that sport is no longer confined to the field - it is an experience, a conversation, and an opportunity to engage with the world in new and dynamic ways.

The Legacy Cup also symbolizes the longstanding relationship between the Monte-Carlo Polo Federation and the Al Habtoor family, a partnership that dates back nearly 30 years. For Rommy Gianni, returning to Dubai for this event is not only a professional milestone but also a personal one, as he revisits a place that has long been central to the team’s success and international outreach.

Supporting this monumental event is Monaco's CAROLI Group, a cornerstone of the principality’s real estate and communications sectors. With its vast experience in urban development and event coordination, the CAROLI Group’s involvement highlights the global scale and logistical complexity of hosting such a high-profile gathering.

The Legacy Cup promises to be more than a showcase of sporting prowess - it is a cultural moment in itself, embodying the power of traditional sports to evolve and thrive in the modern world. By weaving together athletic competition, luxury, and artistic performance, the event reimagines polo not just as a sport but as an immersive experience, and positions it as a conversation starter within the global cultural zeitgeist.

As Dubai continues to cement its status as an international hub, The Legacy Cup is set to become one of its most anticipated events - a testament to how sport and culture can coexist and flourish in the 21st century.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.