Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has signed an agreement to be the official shirt and main sponsor and partner of the Riyadh-based, Saudi Stars League team, Al Nassr FC.
The multi-season partnership was signed today at Etihad Airways’
Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi, and was attended by senior members of both
organisations’ leadership teams.
Players from the football club were also in Abu Dhabi for the
announcement, including Saudi national players, Mohammed Al-Sahlawi; and Ibrahim
Ghaleb; and international stars Ahmed Musa and Noureddine Amrabat.
Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group,
said: “This agreement signals the start of an exciting new partnership between
Al Nassr, one of Saudi Arabia’s best-known football clubs, and Etihad Airways. We look forward to our teams working together to promote the two
brands in our home markets as well as across the region.”
Commenting on the
partnership, Saud Al Sweilem, Chairman of Al Nassr FC said: “We are delighted
to have signed with Etihad Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines and a
brand that supports football in many markets. I believe that together
we can deliver a mutually beneficial partnership as well as present something
new and exclusive to Al Nassr fans.”
In addition to appearing on players’ shirts on all home and away games, Etihad Airways will work
closely with Al Nassr on areas of brand partnership, marketing, customer and
loyalty initiatives, social media outreach, inflight programming and travel
trade support.
Mr. Douglas continued: "We have experienced first-hand the growth of Saudi’s inbound tourism to
Abu Dhabi and this new partnership reflects the importance of Riyadh and the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the airline. We look forward to working with Al Nassr to cooperate more deeply on
commercial and community initiatives going forward."
The
new Al Nassr shirt, bearing the Etihad Airways logo, will make its debut on Thursday
30 August, when the team takes on Ohod at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz
Stadium in Medina.
One
of Saudi Arabia’s most popular football clubs, Al Nassr was formed in 1955 and
plays its matches at the King Fahd Stadium and Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.
Wearing its home colours of yellow and blue, the club’s nickname is “The
International” due to is famous history in global competitions.
Etihad Airways has built a portfolio of international sports
sponsorships which includes the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Manchester City FC, and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf
Championship.
Etihad Airways currently operates 77 flight per week
to Saudi Arabia; three return flights a day to Riyadh, three return flights a
day to Jeddah, and four return flights a day
to Dammam, as well as daily seasonal flights to Medina.