Etihad Airways brought a flavour of the UAE's capital city to London-based Harlequins rugby football club (RFC) when the airline hosted the first ever "Abu Dhabi day" at the Twickenham Stoop stadium yesterday, Sunday 4 May.
Etihad, the main sponsor of Guinness Premiership side Harlequins, brought an array of Arabian cultural and entertainment to the packed 12,000 capacity crowd for Quins' last home match of the season against Sale Sharks.
A traditional Arabic welcome, including coffee and dates, was offered to all the hospitality guests upon arrival followed by an Arabian-themed menu for lunch. The crowd were also entertained with a live falconry display at half-time.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' executive vice president marketing and product, said: "Etihad Airways and Harlequins have enjoyed a hugely successful first season together and we were thrilled that Abu Dhabi day was such a great success with thousands of fans enjoying the Arabian entertainment."
Etihad hosted a number of competitions for spectators attending the Abu Dhabi day match with prizes including a week's holiday in the UAE's capital city, flying with Etihad Airways and staying at the new Shangri-la Hotel Qaryat Al Beri.
Furthermore Etihad Airways, also a sponsor of the Ferrari Formula 1 team, gave away two grandstand tickets to this year's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
In addition to the Quins against Sale match, Abu Dhabi day also saw the final of the Etihad Airways Curtain Raiser Cup competition for youth players from across southern England.
Etihad, the official airline of London-based Chelsea Football Club, will also host a special "Abu Dhabi day" at the English premier league side's final home match of the English Premier League season against Bolton Wanderers on Sunday 11 May.
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About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi.
Currently Etihad offers flights to 45 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Australia.
For further details: Etihad Airways Corporate Communications:
Tel: + 971 (0) 2505 8573 / 8317 or visit www.etihadairways.com
© Press Release 2008
