Emirates have become an Official Partner of Al Ain Football Club embarking on a new journey with the club. It re-enters the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, after ending its global partnership in 2014 after 11 years.
Emirates re-enters FIFA 2025
Al Ain FC bagged a victorious spot at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 by defeating Japanese football club Yokohama F. Marinos during the 2023–24 AFC Champions League, which concluded in May 2024.
The FIFA tournament kicks off June 14, in the United States. It will be hosted across 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities.
Emirates have become the Official Partner of Al Ain FC for the entire season of 2025-26 FIFA Club World Cup. Emirates logo will be marketed on the sleeve and back of Al Ain FC’s training jersey during all home and international matches.
There are additional perks to this as Emirates will enjoy brand visibility at their home matches at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, gain access to the Club’s media platform to connect with the fanbase via promotional and advertising strategies, and have exclusive access to players and hospitality rights.
An international platform
This partnership commits to positioning UAE as a destination and epicentre for world-class sports. This provides professional clubs with an international platform to launch exceptional talent and create a flourishing football ecosystem.
Regarding the partnership, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Maktoum said:
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.
He also added that this partnership isn’t just a sponsorship but a commitment to create a landscape of multitude opportunities for emerging talent through sporting exchanges. These exchanges allow cross-cultural skill sets to take a global platform and drive UAE’s potential for prowess in this sport.
On the other hand, The Chairman of Al Ain Football Club Company Board of Directors, Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan said:
The Emirates brand association with the world’s biggest clubs has become an influential force shaping the global sporting landscape.
He added that it isn’t just an on-field collaboration but a gesture to unite as a team and drive progress in the nation.
Strategic or risky partnership?
Every partnership comes with potential risks and strategic navigation is necessary to avoid a tumultuous fall. Emirates had formerly ended its partnership with FIFA in 2014 due to suspected organisational controversies and financial inconsistencies concerning return on investment.
With Al Ain FC, it is an added responsibility to perform and reciprocate as expected to maintain a successful alliance.
What are your thoughts on the new partnership? Is this a strategic move? Let us know in the comments below!
