Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, today signed an agreement with the UAE Football Association to become an Event Partner for the FIFA World Youth Championship (WYC) which will be held in the UAE from March 25th to April 16th 2003.

Emirates Airline will enjoy sponsorship benefits at FIFA’s (WYC) tournament, the worlds premier youth event for under 20’s, and rated as the second major event of FIFA, after the FIFA World Cup. Emirates will feature on all FIFA (WYC) publicity material including perimeter boards in 6 stadiums throughout the UAE, and a ticketing and hospitality facility for all matches in the WYC tournament.

A total of 15 countries qualified for the finals, six from Europe; Spain, Germany, England, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Ireland. Five from Asia; Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and hosts UAE. Four from North America; United States, Canada, Mexico and Panama. The other nine countries will qualify from South America, Africa (four from each continent) and one from Oceania.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Commercial Operations Director said: “We are delighted to make our commitment to FIFA and the UAE Football Association .It is a property that can help us gain media awareness in key markets throughout the world. In addition, been part of the FIFA commercial family, we can play a crucial role in the ever-developing importance of youth football on the world stage. This agreement will help cement our growing reputation and create global awareness, throughout the world”.

Mattar Al Tayer, the UAE FA general secretary and WYC Championship Director said: “We welcome Emirates Airline to join our group of exclusive sponsors. We are confident that a prestigious and pervasive company like Emirates can assist us in achieving our goals for making the tournament the biggest sporting event the UAE has ever hosted, in it’s history.

Mr Al Ghaith cited the example of Emirates sponsorship of Chelsea Football Club in the UK and the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) as a major move in sports sponsorship, which has received global recognition and increased Emirates brand awareness throughout the world. Emirates also supports the World Sevens Series which include tournaments in Dubai, South Africa, London and Wales and is a keen supporter of major sporting events including the PGA European Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic.

The award-winning airline also supports horse races worldwide including the richest race in the world, The Dubai World Cup, The Melbourne Cup Carnival and the Singapore Derby.

As well as its ground breaking sport sponsorships, Emirates is well known for taking the lead in the aviation world, becoming the first airline to sign up for the new A380 super-jumbo.

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