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It is well documented that the roots of polo lie in the Middle East. Persian, Turcoman and Chinese records show that it was played here well over 2,000 years ago, likely beginning as a military training exercise. It has since spread and gained in popularity as far afield as Argentina, Britain and the USA. Dubai's status as an international melting pot of people seeking making the country their home has brought with it the establishment of a diverse range of sports, with polo firmly among them. Added to the regional penchant for horses it seems natural that there has been an upsurge of the equestrian game.

Despite this uptake, the presence and locations of clubs in the area are not very well known. In an attempt to rectify this, the Dubai Polo Club in the Arabian Ranches development has just undergone a re-launch to try and stimulate interest in both the game itself and the active social scene associated with it.

The building itself is set around a central courtyard and is of modest proportions (a rarity in Dubai) giving an intimate yet stately feel to the Spanish-styled architecture, balanced by the landscaped grounds that encircle it. The facilities available (aside from those directly associated with the polo) include a gym, luxury spa, riding and polo lessons, desert hacks, stabling, restaurant, bars and a café. All tastes and abilities are catered for so the riding-inclined can take lessons or play matches while less energetic members of the party can soak up the sun by the pool or sample the variety of cuisine available.

It is a haven that is very much marketed as a family-friendly venue with a profusion of children of all ages in attendance at the weekly brunch. Guests are seated for an afternoon of traditional Dubai dining on a light, airy terrace overlooking the field. It is a very pleasant way to spend a weekend afternoon, especially now the weather in the Gulf is cooling off to a more bearable level - it is easy to see why visitors would come back again.

These are not the only functions that the club offers to cater for though; a specialised business suite has been included in the clubhouse to provide a tranquil setting for executives looking for somewhere a little more peaceful to hold a meeting or conference although it is the outdoor facilities that remain the biggest draw.

Team building activities are also on offer for those corporate clients looking for a different way to inspire their workforce.

The club explains the inclusion of business services by citing the similarities between polo and commerce itself. "Many parallels can be drawn between polo and the business world; nothing beats the adrenaline rush of landing a big deal or of scoring the winning goal!" the brochure declares.

These similarities mean that the clientele frequenting the club day-to-day are often successful business folk, making it an opportune networking opportunity and making connections tends to be less of a chore when there is a common interest.

Many of the guests at the brunch were mingling comfortably, making new introductions and exchanging business cards while their respective families enjoyed the atmosphere.

The game itself may be charged but the socialising associated with polo is nothing short tranquil.

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