Emirates became a sponsor of one of the world’s biggest sporting events in an agreement making it Official Airline of Rugby World Cup 2007 in France. This agreement, signed between Emirates and the Rugby World Cup Limited, sees Emirates extend its sport sponsorship portfolio even further, making it one of the largest and most impressive in the world.

With this sponsorship, the world’s fastest growing airline will:

á Acquire the status of Official Airline Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2007

á Feature in Rugby World Cup 2007 publicity, including branding on perimeter boards at 10 venues throughout France and 2 in the UK

á Enjoy ticket and hospitality facilities for all matches throughout the tournament

Emirates is developing a sophisticated activation programme to bring this sponsorship to life around the world. It will include a substantial programme in France, targeting several major cities in particular, plus of course the southern hemisphere countries where Emirates will help to bring fans to the event.

Gary Chapman, Emirates’ President Group Services & Dnata, said:

“Emirates is delighted to sponsor and support Rugby World Cup 2007. Rugby is a game that we are passionate about and we are excited to carry on supporting the global development of the game. The Rugby World Cup is a phenomenal event, always played in fantastic spirit and with the audiences that it attracts; it is a perfect fit for our brand. We are all looking forward to the kick-off in September.”

Dr Syd Millar, IRB and Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman, said: ‘Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted that Emirates has joined the impressive list of Tournament Sponsors for Rugby World Cup 2007. Emirates has been a committed supporter of rugby for many years and has a long standing association with world class sporting events and the appointment of a world leader in the Airline industry further highlights the enormous attraction and prestige of the tournament as a major event on the world sporting calendar.”

Emirates has a strong affiliation with rugby and as well as the Rugby World Cup 2007, Emirates sponsors the IRB referees and match officials, four tournaments in the IRB Sevens World Series: the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, the Emirates Airline South Africa Sevens, the Emirates Airline London Sevens and the Series finale, the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens in Scotland and the shirt sponsors of the England and Samoa sevens teams. In Australia, Emirates sponsors the Emirates Western Force in Australia.

Emirates has an impressive global sports sponsorship portfolio and in addition to rugby, Emirates is also a strong supporter of football as sponsor of Arsenal Football Club, Arsenal’s home ground - the Emirates Stadium, Paris Saint Germain Football Club, Hamburg Football Club and as an Official Partner of FIFA.

Emirates is also heavily involved in golf, cricket, horseracing and sailing.
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