Monday, June 2, 2025
In a landmark collaboration that underscores the growing prominence of United Arab Emirates (UAE) football on the global stage, Emirates Airline has officially partnered with Al Ain Football Club, one of the nation’s most decorated and popular football institutions. The partnership comes at a critical time as Al Ain FC prepares to compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™, set to begin on 14 June in the United States.
This strategic alliance cements Emirates as the Official Airline Partner of Al Ain FC for the 2025/2026 season and extends the airline’s far-reaching support of sports, culture, and national pride. The agreement not only enhances Al Ain’s stature at the world’s premier club competition, but also reinforces the UAE’s positioning as a global sporting hub, a priority highlighted in the nation’s UAE Centennial 2071 Vision and the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031.
Emirates: Elevating the UAE’s Sporting Identity
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, emphasized the strategic value of this partnership:
“We’re pleased to partner with Al Ain FC at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™ and for the Club’s next season. This new association will allow us to play an even bigger role in local UAE football and to support the sport’s development, in addition to nurturing homegrown talent and propelling the sport to thrive on the international stage.”
The Emirates-Al Ain FC partnership exemplifies the UAE’s national approach to sports diplomacy, as outlined by the General Authority of Sports and supported by the UAE Football Association (UAEFA). Football, being the most followed and participated sport in the Emirates, plays a critical role in fostering unity, youth development, and international cultural exchange.
Al Ain FC’s Historic Club World Cup Entry
Al Ain FC’s qualification for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™ marks a milestone in the club’s history and in UAE sports overall. The Club earned its place among the world’s elite after a standout performance in the Asian football circuit, qualifying through AFC Champions League pathways.
Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Chairman of the Al Ain Football Club Company Board of Directors, stated:
“Al Ain Football Club is proud to represent the UAE at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™. We’re also excited to be associated with Emirates Airline, one of the UAE’s most prominent organisations, and a global pioneer in its industry when it comes to innovation and excellence.”
“This partnership exemplifies national unity and demonstrates that sporting excellence extends beyond the field to include strategic collaborations that drive progress.”
Brand Visibility and Media Rights
As part of the partnership, the Emirates logo will gain significant exposure:
- Featured on the sleeve of Al Ain FC’s training jerseys
- Displayed on the back of training kits during all home and international matches
- Prominently placed at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium during club home games
- Featured across digital, promotional, and media platforms
This visibility aligns with UAE media strategies under the National Media Office, designed to showcase national identity and innovation through global communication channels.
Moreover, Emirates will enjoy player access and exclusive hospitality rights, further embedding the brand into the matchday and fan experience.
UAE Football and Emirates: A Longstanding Alliance
This partnership builds on Emirates’ rich history in football sponsorship. The airline is a longstanding sponsor of the UAE Pro League, comprising 14 professional clubs vying for domestic and continental glory each season. The league also supports development initiatives for youth, women, and grassroots players, aligning with the Ministry of Education’s National Youth Strategy.
Internationally, Emirates is one of the most recognized sponsors in the sport, partnering with:
- Real Madrid CF
- Arsenal FC (including naming rights to Emirates Stadium)
- AC Milan
- Olympique Lyonnais
- SL Benfica
The airline is also the Title Partner of The Emirates FA Cup, the world’s oldest domestic football tournament, reinforcing its image as a global brand at the heart of football.
“Our commitment to UAE football extends beyond mere sponsorship,” said Sheikh Ahmed. “It’s about creating pathways for emerging talent, fostering cross-cultural sporting exchanges, and establishing the UAE as a beacon of football excellence.”
Supporting UAE Sports Ecosystem and Youth
Emirates’ new deal with Al Ain FC is also reflective of the UAE’s broader vision to become a global epicentre for professional sports and youth engagement. Key objectives under UAE Vision 2031 include:
- Enhancing international sports diplomacy
- Promoting healthy lifestyles through competitive sports
- Increasing private sector investment in sports infrastructure
Al Ain FC’s journey to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™ will inspire young Emiratis and residents to pursue careers in sports, either on the pitch or in associated roles such as sports management, media, coaching, or medical science.
The partnership will also fuel economic and tourism opportunities by showcasing Emirati excellence on a global platform and encouraging sports-based visitation to key destinations like Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
Al Ain FC: Club Profile and Heritage
Founded in 1968, Al Ain FC is one of the most successful football clubs in the Middle East, having won:
- 14 UAE Pro League titles
- 7 President’s Cups
- 1 AFC Champions League title (2003)
- Reached the final of the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup, held in the UAE
The Club plays at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility with a capacity of 25,000, renowned for its sustainability features and fan-friendly design. The stadium also supports government efforts to make Al Ain a hub for eco-tourism and smart city development, aligning with the UAE Smart Mobility and Urban Planning Agenda.
Emirates’ Role in Nation Branding Through Sports
The partnership is an example of how Emirates leverages sport to strengthen the UAE’s global brand. With more than 30 active sponsorships in the UAE and dozens internationally, Emirates is one of the world’s top five sports sponsors by total exposure.
The airline has used football, rugby, golf, tennis, and motorsport to project the UAE’s vision of innovation, inclusivity, and global partnership.
At the core of the Emirates sponsorship model lies:
- Global reach through sport
- Integration of tourism and aviation with live events
- Creating emotional connections with fans and communities
Conclusion: A New Era for UAE Football and Strategic Partnerships
As the world watches the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™, Al Ain FC will carry more than national pride—it will symbolize a growing, confident UAE asserting itself in the international sports arena. The Emirates partnership reinforces this mission, amplifying the Club’s journey while strengthening the bonds between aviation, sports, and national identity.
In the words of Sheikh Sultan:
“Sporting excellence is more than what happens on the pitch. It’s about partnerships that elevate our national values and ambitions.”
As Al Ain prepares to represent the Emirates on football’s most prestigious club stage, its collaboration with Emirates Airline becomes a shining example of how strategic sponsorships can shape legacy, influence culture, and drive progress.
Official Sources Referenced:
- Emirates Media Centre
- UAE Football Association
- FIFA Club World Cup™ 2025 – FIFA
- UAE Government Vision 2031
- General Authority of Sports – UAE
- Hazza bin Zayed Stadium – Visit Abu Dhabi
