Prince Harry, the world traveler! The handsome royal has just announced a mini-tour in the Middle East, including stops in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Prince Harry will visit Oman starting on Nov. 18 before heading to Abu Dhabi on Nov. 20 for the Sentebale Polo Cup. This tournament takes place at Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club in Abu Dhabi. Typically, the United Arab Emirates sponsors sporting events such as polo and horse racing at Meydan racecourse.
The visit will mark his first visit to Oman, following previous trips by other members of the Royal Family. His father, Prince Charles of Wales, and wife Camilla visited in 2013, and the Queen visited in 2010. The Prince, 30, will attend Oman’s National Day Parade on November 18. National Day is a national holiday in Oman, celebrating the Sultan’s birthday. The parade traditionally features a large military display.
Following his stay in Oman, Prince William’s younger brother will travel to Abu Dhabi to play in the Sentebale Polo Cup. Sentebale is a charity founded by the Prince, in partnership with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Africa. The charity provides healthcare and education for children in extreme poverty and those afflicted by the HIV/AIDS in Lesotho.
The fifth annual Sentebale Polo Cup will raise money and awareness for the organization’s efforts, as well as support a plan to build a children’s center by June 2015. The Mamohato Children’s Centre will help the Sentebale organization address the emotional and psychological needs of children living with HIV in impoverished countries. This is the first time the Cup will be played in the UAE, following previous matches in Barbados, the UK, Brazil, and the U.S.
The mini-tour announcement comes after Harry made headlines for participating in Poppy Day, a memorial day observed in the UK on Oct. 30 to remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty. The Prince rode around London on a vintage, red double-decker bus to raise awareness for the Royal British Legion charity’s Poppy Appeal, joined by several other British celebrities including Joss Stone. The charity raises money to aide servicemen and women, veterans and their families.