Emirates brings AFC Cup to Dubai

The 2019 Asian Cup trophy was transported from Tokyo, stopped in Hong Kong and continued its journey on Emirates flight EK 383 to Dubai.

The AFC Asian Cup is the most prestigious football event in Asia and one of the most anticipated major sporting events in the world. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) first hosted the AFC in 1996. Since 2002, Emirates has been the Official Airline and Partner of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), sponsoring all AFC competitions, including the AFC Champions League, AFC Cup and AFC Asian Cup, as well as a number of women’s and youth competitions. Emirates also sponsors some of the world’s biggest clubs and sporting events, aiming to unite people through their passion for sport. The highly anticipated AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 once again ignited the love of football among fans.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, said: “We are extremely excited about this partnership with AFC. We believe the upcoming tournament will provide a great opportunity to connect with football fans back home in the UAE, as well as audiences across Asia who support their national teams. We will play a key role in connecting cities through Emirates’ network and bringing football fans to the UAE to experience the AFC Asian Cup 2019 firsthand. We also aim to promote the UAE’s status as a world-class sports hub and a focal point for international sporting events.”

The tournament trophy, specially designed by some of the world’s leading craftsmen, will replace the old trophy that has been used since the first tournament in 1956. It was first presented at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 draw in Dubai in May 2018, and is inspired by the lotus flower, which symbolises peace across Asia, with its five petals representing the five Regional Associations of the AFC. Emirates operates an extensive network across Asia, flying to 16 of the 24 participating countries in the AFC Asian Cup. Each participating country is represented by a local fan community residing in the UAE, making the UAE a multi-national and multi-cultural fan hub. Emirates will engage with these communities through a range of activities to support fans in cheering on their national teams throughout the four-week tournament.

Throughout the tournament, Emirates will be present at AFC matches through match-related television advertising, in-game promotions, priceless fan perks, as well as special ticket and hotel booking benefits and incentives. Emirates will also benefit from digital and social media activities promoted by AFC, and will be proud to be the proud bearer of the prestigious trophy at the final match in February 2019.

Football has always been the king of sports, topping Emirates’ sponsorship portfolio. This is demonstrated through the airline’s long-standing partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious football clubs and tournaments over the years. Emirates has sponsored the shirts of some of Europe’s top clubs, including AC Milan, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Hamburger SV, Olympiacos, Benfica SL and most notably Arsenal in a deal that includes naming rights to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. The airline is also the Main Sponsor of The Emirates FA Cup in England.

Emirates' network currently serves 65 destinations in Asia and Australia.

Thu Trang