ABU DHABI // Prince Harry has postponed a planned visit to Dubai this month.
The prince, third in line to the British throne, was due to play in the Sentebale Polo Cup on March 19, on what would have been his first visit to the UAE.
"Prince Harry was very much looking forward to the visit but feels that it would be insensitive for him to participate in a sporting event at a time when there are matters of greater priority to focus on in the region," the prince's office said in an e-mailed statement.
"Prince Harry looks forward to other opportunities to visit Dubai in the future."
As a consequence, the Sentebale Polo Cup at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, near Arabian Ranches, has been cancelled, his office said.
The prince was due to "undertake additional engagements in the Emirate of Dubai throughout the day", said a statement issued last month through the office of his father, Prince Charles.
The event was 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.
* With additional reporting by Bloomberg.
