Emirates Becomes Main Sponsor of King Salman Cup 2023, Strengthening Football Partnership in Saudi Arabia
Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines, has announced its official signing as the Main Sponsor and Official Airline of the King Salman Club Cup 2023, solidifying its commitment to supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative of becoming a global hub for professional sports. The sponsorship deal further deepens Emirates’ connection with Saudi football and its aim to engage with the fanbase of the 16 top-tier regional clubs participating in the highly anticipated tournament. The announcement took place during a press conference in Jeddah.
Jabr Al-Azeeby, Vice President of Emirates Airline for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expressed the airline’s excitement about the partnership, stating, “Emirates is renowned for its strong involvement in the world of sports, particularly football, where we strive to engage fans and provide exceptional experiences beyond mere logo recognition. We are dedicated to forging connections with fans in new football frontiers, and our support of the King Salman Cup 2023 reflects our pride in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a global powerhouse for professional sports. With its already prominent presence on the international sports stage, Saudi Arabia is expanding its reach in various sports, and this tournament is part of that broader effort. Throughout the upcoming weeks of the tournament, we look forward to creating unique opportunities and experiences with top-tier clubs from across the Arab World.”
His Excellency Abdullah bin Saeed Aldalac, Vice President of the Saudi Sports Ministry, welcomed the partnership, stating, “The Vice President of the Arab Federation welcomes the partnership and confirms that it will be a successful addition to the championship.”
As part of the sponsorship deal, Emirates will enjoy extensive brand visibility within the stadiums, including on-site advertising at the King Salman Cup. The tournament is set to kick off on 27 July and will be held across stadiums in Abha, Albaha, and Ta’if. The airline will also have promotional opportunities and hospitality rights during the event. Additionally, Emirates will gain digital rights on the tournament channels and will lead the trophy presentation during the final match.
The King Salman Cup, now in its 30th season, is the official club championship of the Arab World organized by the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA). Sixteen top-performing clubs from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and North Africa will compete in 31 matches for the prestigious title. The final match will take place at The King Fahed Stadium in Ta’if. A total of USD $10 million in prize money will be awarded throughout the tournament. Renowned clubs such as Al Hilal and Al Nasr from Saudi Arabia, as well as Al Zamalek, Al Wihda, Kuwait Club, Al Rajaa (reigning champions), and Shabab Bluzad from across the region, will participate in the tournament.
Football holds a significant place in Emirates’ sponsorship portfolio, as demonstrated by their partnerships with major club football teams and significant tournaments worldwide. The airline serves as a shirt sponsor for leading European and international clubs including AC Milan, Real Madrid, Benfica SL, Arsenal FC, and Olympique Lyonnaise. It is also the Title Sponsor of The Emirates FA Cup. Recently, Emirates signed a sponsorship deal with Etoile Sportive du Sahel, a highly accomplished football and basketball club in Tunisia. Furthermore, Emirates supports the Arabian Pro-League in the UAE and the Asian Football Confederation.
Emirates has been operating flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 1989 and currently serves Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, and Dammam with 67 weekly flights. The airline’s commitment to the Kingdom is evident through its efforts to cater to growing passenger demand, enhance customer experiences, and introduce its flagship A380 aircraft to ensure travelers can enjoy the latest onboard products. Emirates is dedicated to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering growth in the country’s aviation sector, expanding connectivity, and strengthening its global presence.
