Prince Harry saddles up for Dubai polo visit

British royal is to take part in a Dubai charity match next month.

Prince Harry, pictured competing during the 3rd annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in New York, is headed for a match in Dubai.

DUBAI // Prince Harry will play in a charity polo match next month on his first visit to the UAE.

The prince, third in line to the British throne and the world's most famous amateur polo player, will take part in the Sentebale Polo Cup on March 19.

He will also "undertake additional engagements in the Emirate of Dubai throughout the day", said a statement issued through the office of his father, Prince Charles. "St James's Palace will issue further information about these in due course."

The announcement has stirred excitement in the polo community.

"It will be absolutely fantastic," said Adriana de Koeyer, head co-ordinator at Dubai Polo Academy. "It's more publicity for the sport here, especially when it's someone as internationally rated as the prince."

The event is intended to raise money for Sentebale, a children's charity set up by the prince and his brother William to continue work started by their late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

The royal visit will wrap up a week of polo in the city, which begins with the Dubai Polo Gold Cup on March 11.

Later in the week, on March 18, the Princes' Cup Middle East will stage the British Polo Day to showcase the heritage of the sport.

The activities will be held at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, near Arabian Ranches.