Emirates Palace to host polo championship

Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, a Polo championship competition will take place on November 22nd and 23rd at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, with the participation of Emirati Polo players, within the framework of the UAE's 42nd National Day celebrations. Sheikh Nahyan yesterday received the tournament organisers and representatives of the competing teams and urged them to provide the best tournaments in Abu Dhabi. The Minister confirmed in a statement to Emirates News Agency, WAM, the importance of the tournament to promote a culture of polo in U.A.E. society and to encourage children to practice these kinds of high-end sports. He pointed out that the U.A.E. has a great asset with this game's polo grounds in Abu Dhabi and the Emirates Palace, to make Abu Dhabi a key destination for sports and tourism, which can be added to the famous golf courses on Saadiyat Island and racing cars and bikes on Yas Island racetrack. Emirates Palace's new general manager, Holger Schroth, said the hotel will organise a unique celebration on the 42nd anniversary of U.A.E. National Day. "The hotel will organise the second polo championship in November and it welcomes all those who love the game from Abu Dhabi and the whole world," said Schroth. He said new food menus had been prepared at the hotel's restaurants including Mezlai, Le Vendome, Sayyad, BBQ Al Qasr, Mezzaluna, Cascades and other food and beverage outlets. Emirates Palace is also closely cooperating with the Authority and that the two have what he described as a strategic partnership. He said the Authority is playing a substantial role in promoting Abu Dhabi in other markets through its offices in Europe and other areas. – Emirates New Agency, WAM