Volkswagen Middle East have teamed up with the United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAE FA) to become the Official Automotive Partner for the association and UAE National football teams for the next two years.
The German automotive company and its local partners Al Nabooda Automobiles and Ali & Sons will sponsor, promote and support the UAE FA and National Teams, with a total of 40 vehicles and a host of other activities under the agreement, it was announced at a press conference in Dubai on Monday.
“Volkswagen has been active in its support for football for many years, both through sponsorship of local teams in the markets in which we operate, and through our own internationally organised football tournaments such as the Volkswagen Junior Masters,” said Stefan Mecha, Managing Director of Volkswagen Middle East.
“Signing this agreement to support the UAE FA and national teams is a solid step in strengthening our relationship and commitment to the UAE, which is home to our regional office. We look forward to the excitement of the next two seasons, and hope that our positive support will assist in the continued success of these talented international ambassadors of Emirati football,” added Mecha.
“We see UAEFA as an organisation that is still in the establishing phase but we have seen great professionalism of how football is approached from a UAE point of view and we want to part of this exciting project from the beginning. For us what is always mandatory that we have great trust in the organisation and the people that drive this,” he said on their decision to come on board.
“We see a great enthusiasm for football not only on professional level which is good but also that football is accessible for everybody. Football is a very popular sport here in the schools and you have great tournaments. This made us feel the great excitement and vibration of this great sport in the UAE,” said Mecha.
Commenting on the agreement, Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, President of the UAE FA, said: “Teaming up with Volkswagen Middle East is an important step in widening the posts for the Emirates’ soccer goals and aspirations. Its commitment to football in the UAE as well as in the region is commendable, and we are proud to have such a dedicated partner with us for the next two years.”
The football chief said this new agreement would help drive the sport forward. “When you have international company affiliated with you, it will help drive us forward. We are always eager to make our sponsors happy not only to comply with contract but also to show them our national team are making good results and making the people of UAE happy,” he said.
With the UAE Olympic team currently taking part in the Asian Games in China, Al Rumaithi said preparations were on track for the Gulf Cup which begins on November 22 in Yemen.
“We are really not happy to have three competitions coming in less than one and a half months,” he said referring to Al Wahda’s participating in next month’s Club World Cup to be held in Abu Dhabi.
“Everybody should go and do his best and perform well at the Gulf Cup,” he said refusing to comment on the security concerns for the event.
Fans will be able to view all activities related to the UAE FA, including match listings, on the Volkswagen Middle East Website,
www.volkswagen-me.com.
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