SimplyAbuDhabi XIV

2 8 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Jnan Amar Polo Club – a resplendent facility, with lush green fields and abundant water features, all located in an incredible venue looking out across a breathtaking vista of the Atlas Mountains. It was the perfect setting to enjoy the Sport of Kings, in an event under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco and attended by a host of VIPs. For the first British Polo Day event celebrated on African soil, guests in attendance included Sir Richard Branson, his mother Eve, Philip Treacy, British Ambassador to Morocco Clive Alderton, US Ambassador toMoroccoDwight L. Bush Sr and a handful of Virgin Galactic astronauts. Following a day of top polo, there was a Gala Dinner which smashed current British Polo Day philanthropy records, raising over US$175,000 for The Eve Branson Foundation, which works to improve the lives of women and girls in the Atlas Mountains of the host country of Morocco. Sir Richard then personally hosted a philanthropists’ lunch for all winners of a Charity Auction, including three lucky guests who took to the court in a doubles tennis match with Sir Richard at Kasbah Tamadot. Sir Richard also has a strong connection to Abu Dhabi, after forming a partnership with investment company Abaar in the space tourism venture, Virgin Galactic. As the first outside investors in Virgin Galactic, the Abaar group provides critical funding to the enterprise, while delivering the potential to significantly expand Abu Dhabi’s economic future. The central aim of British Polo Day is to continue the tradition of playing high-quality polo on a worldwide stage, while also serving as a platform for British businesses in vital emerging markets. Attended by the global elite, a shared love of this fantastic sport is instrumental in creating a network of diplomatic and commercial connections to showcase craft and heritage in new global arenas. Enjoying this exclusive opportunity, set amidst the relaxed, sporty atmosphere at the Jnan Amar Polo Club, combined with the superb experience at the Royal Mansour, made this trip toMarrakech simply unforgettable. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our hosts at the Royal Mansour: hotel manager Mr. Philippe Cluseau, and the marketing team of Ms. Kenza Zizi andMs. Sarra Essail, for their warmwelcome and boundless hospitality. Their efforts, along with the peerless service from the entire staff, ensure that the Royal Mansour will continue to be one of the world’s most luxurious destinations. Ben Vestey, George Meyrick, Sir Richard Branson, Edward Olver, Jamie Morrisson, Tom Hudson