Etihad Airways will bring a flavour of the UAE's capital city to London-based Harlequins rugby football club (RFC) when the airline hosts the first ever "Abu Dhabi day" at the Twickenham Stoop stadium on Sunday 4 May.
Etihad, the main sponsor of Guinness Premiership side Harlequins, will bring an array of Arabian cultural and entertainment to the packed capacity crowd for Quins' last home match of the season against Sale Sharks.
A traditional Arabic welcome, including coffee and dates, will be offered to all the hospitality guests upon arrival followed by an Arabian-themed menu for lunch. The crowd will also be 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 are thrilled to be hosting Abu Dhabi day at the Twickenham Stoop for the final home match of the rugby season.
"The day will be extremely exciting for fans who will have the chance to sample Arabian cuisine and culture as well as supporting the Quins in their quest to reach the play-offs."
Etihad will also host 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, will give away two grandstand tickets to this year's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
In addition to the Quins against Sale match, Abu Dhabi day will also see the final of the Etihad Airways Curtain Raiser Cup competition for youth players from across southern England.
David Strettle, the Harlequins and England winger and who recently stayed at the Shangri-la Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, said: "Abu Dhabi is an amazing place to visit and a fantastic tourist destination, so bringing a taste of Arabia to the Twickenham Stoop will ensure our last match of the season is a fantastic event."
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
