The symbol of the world’s most popular football league arrived in Dubai by helicopter this morning on the first official leg of a five-day UAE tour. Former England and Liverpool ace John Barnes presented the Barclays English Premier League Trophy to assembled media and senior Barclays management for a unique photo opportunity against the backdrop of Emirates Towers.
Flanked by two security guards and Barclays’ Blue Eagle mascot ‘Banksy’, the Barclays English Premier League Trophy was received by Amin Habib, Managing Director, Barclays Global Retail and Commercial Banking, UAE, and William Oullin, Chairman, International Private Banking, Barclays Wealth. It is the first time the glittering trophy, currently held by champions Chelsea, has toured the UAE.
Amin Habib, Managing Director, Barclays Global Retail and Commercial Banking, UAE, said: “Supporting the world’s best and most popular football league brings the Barclays brand to life for millions of people around the globe and reflects the group’s international stature and relevance. Football is a universal language and our sponsorship of the Barclays English Premier League allows us to play an active role in local communities.”
According to the Barclays Global Fans Report 2005, which polled 26,000 fans in 170 countries, the Barclays English Premier League is the world’s most popular football league. The league’s thrilling action is estimated to have a regular global home reach of more than 500 million.
Made by British Crown Jewellers Aspreys, the trophy stands 3 feet five inches tall and weighs 55 pounds. Officially priceless, it is always attended by two security guards when on display.
The trophy’s UAE tour will see it visit schools and shopping malls, and there will be exclusive viewings for Barclays’ clients and families.
William Oullin, Chairman, International Private Banking, Barclays Wealth added: “This is a great opportunity for football fans to get a closer look at one of the most famous trophies in world football – and it’s an exciting highlight for our clients, their families and the wider community in Dubai and the UAE. It’s a privilege to bring some of the drama of the world’s best football league to the UAE, and we’re looking forward to a memorable tour.”
The trophy will occupy pride of place at a client screening in Dubai of today’s match between Liverpool and Arsenal, then tour schools in Abu Dhabi on Monday and visit the luxury Emirates Palace Hotel.
On Tuesday, the Barclays English Premier League Trophy will return to Dubai for more school visits and a three-hour soccer skills camp at Jebel Ali CEO for 150 schoolchildren hosted by freestyle soccer skills expert and world record holder Rob Walters.
On Wednesday afternoon, the trophy will be displayed at Mall of the Emirates, and a VIP visit is planned to Al Jazeera Football Club in Abu Dhabi on the last day of the tour on Thursday.
Newspaper, radio and TV competitions have greeted the arrival of the Barclays English Premier League Trophy – and yesterday the trophy made a ‘live’ appearance in the studios of ART during the half-time break of its football coverage.
Barclays recently renewed its global title sponsorship of the Premier League, which includes exclusive worldwide marketing rights, UK and international TV programme credits, and branding in 204 countries. The deal, which runs from the 2007/08 season to 2009/10, is worth £65.8 million.
By the end of the new sponsorship, Barclays Group will have been Premier League sponsors for nine years, from 2001 to 2010, showing its commitment to the sport.
Company Background
Barclays Bank PLC. is a UK-based financial services group, with a large international presence in Europe, the USA, Africa, Middle East and Asia. It is engaged primarily in banking, investment banking and investment management. In terms of market capitalisation, Barclays is one of the largest financial services companies in the world.
Barclays has been involved in banking for over 300 years and operates in over 60 countries with more than 111,300 permanent employees (including 32,500 at Absa). 2005 recorded profit before tax of £5.3 billion, up fifteen percent from 2004.
About Barclays in the UAE
Barclays has been present in the United Arab Emirates for 30 years where it operates three distinct strategic business units covering the Middle East and North Africa: Barclays Wealth Management comprising Private and Premier Banking, Barclays Commercial and Retail Banking, and Barclays Capital.
