following news release is issued for Emirates Airline:
Footballing Giants Real Madrid and AC Milan to Kick Off in Dubai this December
30 September 2014
Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Emirates Airline have announced that the 2014 UEFA
Champions League 2013/14 winner Real Madrid will face 18-time international titles winner AC Milan in the ‘Dubai
Football Challenge’; a friendly match set to take place at The Sevens stadium in the emirate on Tuesday,December 30.
Topping off what has been a blockbuster year of football, the two Emirates Airline sponsored clubs, will bring their
star players to the U.A.E for the thrilling match in front of a crowd of 40,000. Two of the European club’s legendary
ex-players and Ambassadors - Franco Baresi of AC Milan and Emilio Butragueño of Real Madrid – spoke of their respective
club’s excitement to be playing in front of their fans in the Middle East.
Hamad Mohammed Bin Mejren, Executive Director of Dubai Convention and Events Bureau at DTCM, a coordinating partner of
the Dubai Football Challenge, said:
“Not only has 2014 been a record year for football, but also for our city, which is both honoured and incredibly proud
to be playing host to Real Madrid and AC Milan. Of course, the emirate is no stranger to welcoming such momentous
sporting events; already hosting some of the world’s largest tournaments. With this in mind, it’s clear that Dubai is
fast-becoming a global destination for sporting events and the 30th December is a very exciting date for the city.”
Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Centre, said: “Emirates is
pleased to be working with DTCM to bring two of our major sports sponsorship partners, and two of the biggest football
clubs in the world, to our home city for the Dubai Football Challenge. By working with clubs, teams and events around
the world we are able to connect fans with their passions; whether football, rugby or horse racing and we are now able
to do this for our customers here in the U.A.E. in December. We are sure fans will be thrilled by the display of
footballing skills and for the opportunity to see some of the world’s best players here in Dubai.”
The match will offer the very best action from two of the top football teams in the world at the home of the Emirates
Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens. One of the city’s world-class sporting venues, The Sevens stadium is well-equipped to serve
the 40,000 football enthusiasts expected to descend on 30th December to see the footballing giants in play.
ENDS