Al Ain, 15 September 2013 - Al Ain Football Club announced in a press conference today, that it has signed a landmark partnership agreement with Abu Dhabi Airports, making it the premium partner, for the next three years.

This landmark agreement is part of Al Ain FC's strategy - to focus and transform the concept of sponsorships into integrated partnerships in the sports industry, build a healthy athletic community and bring the latest technologies to the stadium. The partnership will take effect as of the beginning of the league's 2013/2014 season. The logo of Abu Dhabi Airports will feature on the Club's kit.

Mahmoud Al Mahmood, member of the board, Al Ain Club Investment Company said: "We are honoured to have Abu Dhabi Airports as the premium partner of Al Ain FC. The premise of this partnership will revolutionise affiliations between sports clubs and corporations in the region. We have changed our philosophy towards how we approach partnerships, improving visibility and exclusivity for our partners, whilst simultaneously boosting opportunities for Al Ain FC".

The opening of Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, at the end of year, also brings a wealth of opportunities to the Club. As Al Ain FC enters a new era in its history, having solid partners with the same forward thinking philosophy, such as Abu Dhabi Airports, is key to driving the Club's success.

H.E. Eng. Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Board Member of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: "Abu Dhabi Airports is a key player in the development of air transport and tourism industries in the emirate, which will in turn support the delivery of Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. From that perspective, the company is keen to support other drivers that have been contributing to the development of this society. Al Ain Football Club has been a major anchor in our community and we are proud today to be a part of its legacy".

Al Ain Football Club is poised for their big move to their new official stadium, the state-of-the-art, 25,000-seat Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, which will be completed later this year. Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium aims to offer fans the best match day experience in the region, as well as providing best-in-class corporate hospitality options. Of the 25,000 seats, the stadium features 5,000 premium seats, a percentage that is the highest amongst stadia across the world.

Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium will be one of the first in the region to offer partners exclusive access to spaces for conferences, seminars, business and entertainment events, as well as dedicated areas for branding. Partners will also have the use of allocated corporate boxes, eight of which can accommodate up to twenty people, and two of which can accommodate up to ten people.

"With the opening of the Hazza Bin Zayed stadium at the end of the year, our objective is to enhance the experience for our fans, attendees and players. Abu Dhabi Airports has the same vision, which seamlessly fits the over-arching strategy to support in achieving this objective," added Al Mahmood.

For more information, please contact:
Rima Armstrong
Ketchum Raad Middle East
Telephone: +971 40 4258981
Mobile: +971 50 2489397
Email: rima.armstrong@ketchum-raad.com

© Press Release 2013