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28 March 2024

Emirates, Arabian Gulf League sign Dh25-million 3-year deal

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla and Suhail Al Areefi at the agreement signing ceremony in Dubai on Thursday. (Supplied)

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By Staff

Dubai’s Emirates and the Arabian Gulf League have announced a three-year Dh25 million agreement which will see the airline as the official partner and airline of the league.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Sponsorship has always been a vital component of our marketing strategy. Through our sponsorship and support of an incredible line-up of global football clubs and popular football events we have been able to bring major clubs to the UAE to compete in unique tournaments, connecting them to their fans. With our new partnership with the Arabian Gulf League, we will be in an even stronger position to add value to the UAE’s professional league by capitalising on opportunities that will link local clubs with international football teams through focused collaboration.”

The announcement was revealed on Thursday at a press conference led by Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Centre and Suhail Al Areefi, CEO of the UAE Pro League Committee.

Sheikh Majid said: “We see our partnership with the Arabian Gulf League as an opportunity to connect with football fans in our home, the UAE. This new association will allow us to play an even bigger role here locally by bringing fans of football closer to what they love and to build unique opportunities and experiences with a rich mix of local clubs. We also want to align our brand with the league to strengthen its position as one of the fastest growing leagues in Asia, and to support its vision to provide UAE football a platform to thrive at the international level. This will further support the UAE’s status as a world-class sports hub and a centre for professional sporting events.”

The sponsorship deal, which spans three years, gives Emirates brand visibility and on-site advertising at the Arabian Gulf Super Cup, which starts on 15 August.

Emirates will also capitalize on advertising opportunities at all 182 Arabian Gulf League matches, 45 Arabian Gulf Cup matches as well as 26 televised U21 League matches.

The airline will also receive in-game promotional opportunities and interactive hospitality rights. Additionally, Emirates will benefit from digital and social media activation rights on the Arabian Gulf League’s media platforms, and will also lead the trophy presentation during final matches.

Football remains one of the most celebrated sports within Emirates’ sponsorship portfolio. This is demonstrated through on-going partnerships with some of the biggest names in club football, and some of the most significant tournaments including shirt sponsors of leading European and international clubs like AC Milan, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Hamburger SV, Benfica SL, New York Cosmos and Arsenal in a deal which includes naming rights to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

Emirates is also the Official Airline of Greek club, Olympiacos. Locally, Emirates supports Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai, a joint venture between Emirates and Arsenal Football Club, teaching boys and girls how to ‘play the Arsenal way’ through mentoring from UEFA licensed coaches.