Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has announced that it will be a major sponsor and official airline for the 2007 Gulf Cup football championships, to be held in the United Arab Emirates.
It is the second time the world’s leading new airline has sponsored the Gulf’s biggest football tournament, after its successful involvement as a platinum sponsor in the 17th Gulf Cup which was held in Qatar in 2004.
“Etihad is very proud to be bringing this tournament to the people of the UAE and the region as a whole. One of Etihad’s key missions is to bring the world closer together, and through our sponsorship of this prestigious sporting event, we are upholding that pledge to our Guests and football fans across the Gulf,” said H.H. Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Airways.
Growing in size and popularity year upon year, the 2007 Gulf Cup tournament event is expected to attract more interest and spectators than ever before, and will gain considerable world-wide exposure amongst football and sporting enthusiasts across the globe. It is also another opportunity for Etihad to continue bringing the best athletes and sports competitions to the people of the UAE and Gulf.
“We are delighted to be associated with a sporting event of this stature. It is an ideal platform for Etihad to demonstrate how the airline is growing, and to communicate with new Guests about the innovative ways Etihad is changing air travel,” continued H.H. Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan.
Etihad’s commitment to football and sport is unquestionably growing. This latest announcement follows Etihad’s recent successful sponsorship of several high profile sporting events including the Brazilian national football team’s first ever match in the region, against the UAE in November 2005.
Etihad’s close alignment to the sporting world has continued into 2006 with its sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, which saw the world’s best golfers such as Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia and John Daly competing in the UAE’s capital.
Photo caption: H.H. Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Airways, signs the sporting partnership agreement with Pierre Kakhia, Managing Director, World Sports Group Limited.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is the world’s leading new airline and will now offer flights for Guests and cargo to 30 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Etihad Crystal Cargo – www.crystalcargo.ae – offers a comprehensive range of cargo services throughout Etihad’s network, and services its many all-cargo destinations and world-wide charters with a fleet of modern regional freighter aircraft.
Etihad Holidays - www.etihadholidays.com - offers a range of innovative holiday options to 69 destinations across 23 countries. Packages include skiing, fly-drives, cruises and tours.
Through these exciting divisions, Etihad Airways is changing the way people see the world.
For more information about this award-winning aviation group, please visit www.etihadairways.ae.
