Julius Baer, the leading Swiss private banking group, has announced that it will be the title and a team sponsor for the Dubai Gold Cup 2015, part of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series.

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The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series is the fourth-largest tournament of its kind and will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Now in its sixth year, the event will see some of the most talented international and local players, including Alejandro Muzzio, Pablo Mac Donough, and Lucas Monterverde, compete for the trophy.

Taking place at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club at the Arabian Ranches, the Series will be split into two tournaments, beginning with the McLaren Cup from 23rd January to 06th February, and the Julius Baer Gold Cup, taking place from 23rd February to 13th March 2015.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Daniel Savary, Head of Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa (EMMEA), Bank Julius Baer & Co Ltd, said: “We are proud to partner with the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series and to support this prestigious tournament, which is line with our focus on polo and is also indicative of our long-term commitment to the UAE.

"Having celebrated our tenth anniversary in the country last year and grown to become a leading provider of private banking services in the market, our emphasis on sponsoring important cultural activities here stems from our recognition of its value to the local community and our clients.”

The bank was previously the title sponsor of the Julius Baer Beach Polo Cup from 2013 to 2014, and the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge from 2010 to 2012. Launched in 2009, the Dubai Polo Gold Cup has grown to become the region’s premier polo competition, and attracts leading VIPs, society figures, and senior corporate executives from across the GCC.

The tournament has grown in tandem with the city of Dubai and in 2012, it was recognised by the World Polo Tour (WPT). Last year the competition was the highest WPT tournament in points within the Challenge Cup Category and in this year the Gold Cup went up from Challenge Cup to World Polo Tour Cup, winners receiving 60 points.

Held under the banner of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), the Gold Cup is played according to HPA rules and the provision of umpires is managed under strict international supervision of the HPA.

A total of ten teams will participate in the renowned event, including the world’s best polo teams and the most respected names from the sport. Participating teams include:

UAE Polo Team – Patron HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Ghantoot Polo Team – Patron HH Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan  

Julius Baer Team by Al Habtoor – Patron Mohammed Al Habtoor

Bin Drai Polo Team – Patron Saeed Bin Drai 

Mahra Polo – Patron Rashid Al Habtoor

Abu Dhabi Polo Team – Patron Faris Al Yabhouni

Zedan Polo Team – Patron Amr Zedan

Desert Palm Dubai Polo Team 1– Patron Rashid Al Bawardi

Desert Palm Dubai Polo Team 2 – Patron Tariq Al Bawardi

Edrees Polo Team  – Patron Sultan Edrees