Abdullah Al Shaqsi

Biography

Abdullah Al Shaqsi is Oman's most prominent polo player and one of the key figures behind the establishment and development of organised polo in the Sultanate. Based at the Muscat Equestrian Centre, Al Shaqsi has been playing polo since the sport began to take root in Oman in the 2000s and has been instrumental in building the administrative and competitive infrastructure that supports Omani polo today. He represented Oman at FIP Continental Championship events across the Asian circuit, competing against established polo nations and helping raise awareness of Oman's growing equestrian capability. As a founding figure of the Oman Polo Association, he navigated the logistical and regulatory challenges of establishing polo in a country where the sport had no prior infrastructure — sourcing horses, developing playing surfaces, and connecting with international federations to gain recognition. Al Shaqsi's background bridges Gulf and South Asian polo traditions, having trained and competed in both the UAE and in Pakistan, where polo has deep military roots. This cross-cultural polo experience has informed his approach to developing Omani polo along lines that combine the Gulf's patron-led model with the more structured competitive environment of South Asian polo. He remains actively involved in Omani polo governance and is a regular participant in Gulf polo events, representing not just his country but a broader vision for polo's expansion across the Arabian Peninsula.

Clubs & Teams