Emirates to host World Airline Squash Tournament

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, Emirates is hosting this year’s World Airline Squash Tournament (WAST) for the fourth time in Dubai, from 24th to 28th October 2011.

The annual tournament, which is hosted by an international airline from a different country each year, is recognised internationally as the most important squash event among non-professionals.

The event, being held at the Aviation Club in Al Garhoud, will bring together amateur players from 10 airlines – Emirates, Aer Lingus, Air New Zealand, Air Nuigini, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Kuwait Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Qatar Airways. The teams will be made up of five males and two female players.

“Emirates welcomes our fellow airline colleagues to Dubai for what promises to be a week of exciting squash action," said Capt Badar Akbar, President of the Emirates Squash Club. "We are looking forward to the teams’ participation and great competition and I am confident that, no matter who wins, everyone will enjoy the tournament’s experience amid our traditional Arabic hospitality.”

Matches will be played at the Aviation club for 5 days starting 24-28 October 2011. Calling on all employees of the Emirates Group to come and cheer the Emirates team from 0900-1600 hours.

The annual World Airline Squash Tournament (WAST), hosted by a different airline each year for the past 26 years, gives amateur squash players the opportunity to play against their colleagues from other airlines in a friendly setting.

The Emirates Squash team has been participating in WAST since 1990 and has successfully reached the semi-final stage in every tournament, winning the championship of the tournament in 2007, which was taking place in Dubai.