Etihad Airways has signed an agreement to be the official shirt and main sponsor and partner of the Riyadh-based, Saudi Stars League team, Al Nassr FC.
The multi-season partnership was signed today at Etihad Airways’ Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi, and was attended by senior members of both organisations’ leadership teams.
Players from the football club were also in Abu Dhabi for the announcement, including Saudi national players, Mohammed Al-Sahlawi and Ibrahim Ghaleb, as well as international stars Ahmed Musa and Noureddine Amrabat.
Tony Douglas, group chief executive, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “This agreement signals the start of an exciting new partnership between Al Nassr, one of Saudi Arabia’s best-known football clubs, and Etihad Airways.
“We look forward to our teams working together to promote the two brands in our home markets as well as across the region.”
In addition to appearing on players’ shirts on all home and away games, Etihad Airways will work closely with Al Nassr on areas of brand partnership, marketing, customer and loyalty initiatives, social media outreach, in-flight programming and travel trade support.
The new Al Nassr shirt, bearing the Etihad Airways logo, will make its debut on August 30th, when the team takes on Ohod at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Stadium in Medina.
Commenting on the partnership, Saud Al Sweilem, chairman of Al Nassr FC, said: “We are delighted to have signed with Etihad Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines and a brand that supports football in many markets.
“I believe that together we can deliver a mutually beneficial partnership as well as present something new and exclusive to Al Nassr fans.”
One of Saudi Arabia’s most popular football clubs, Al Nassr was formed in 1955 and plays its matches at the King Fahd Stadium and Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.