In an important partnership for both parties, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Al Ain Football Club’s Chairman, announced that Khalifa Port would be the official sponsor of the club’s first team in the AFC champions league.
The press conference was held at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi and attended by HE Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Abu Dhabi Ports Company Chairman, HE Hamad bin Nukhirat Al Ameri,
Al Ain Football Club Board member, HE Mohammed Abdullah bin Bdoua, Al Ain Football Club Board member, and Mohammed Juma Al Shamisi, Abu Dhabi Ports Company Deputy CEO.
Commenting on the historic partnership, HH Sheikh Abdullah said: “The logo of the Abu Dhabi Ports Company, represented by Khalifa Port, will be on Al Ain’s first team player’s jersey during the AFC champions, commencing with Wednesday’s match with Al Hilal in group D matches. We are proud to have this name on our players’ chest, as they go out on the field on Wednesday, for the first time”.
He also assured all Al Ain football fans that their team will continue to perform to the highest levels during the competition and push to meet the high expectations of the club’s leadership and those of its faithful fans. Sports Clubs in the UAE are expected to be leading a high level of advancement to meet these high expectations and this is as a result of the unlimited support that they receive from the many sports councils in the UAE and from the overarching support of His Highness the President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The AFC champions League for Sheikh Abdullah represents a new opportunity for Al Ain fans to regain their presence in Asia through the AFC Champions and to show their exceptional initiatives and distinguished culture among countries competing for the AFC Champions League title.”
Asked about Al Ain’s determination to win the AFC Champions League title once again he answered: “we are always committed to show the best to honor UAE football in the AFC Champions League. We also will double our efforts for the best results this year”.
Sheikh Abdullah concluded by expressing his gratitude to Abu Dhabi Ports company for their keenness to support Al Ain FC’s first team representing UAE during the AFC Champions League this year as their official sponsor. He also considered this new partnership as an opportunity to build on the foundations for commercial, economic and infrastructure diversification for Abu Dhabi and a way to promote one of the country’s major maritime asset.
HE Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said: “We are very happy for this cooperation with Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club, which reflects the company’s keenness to participate in all efforts aiming at enhancing the name and the position of the UAE regionally and internationally. Through this sponsorship we attempt to shed the light on the vital role Khalifa Port plays in the UAE and beyond.
He added: “this cooperation comes in accordance with our wise leader’s vision for supporting establishments and agencies to create new partnerships with the sports industry aimed at achieving higher sporting accomplishments and pursuing comprehensive development in the UAE.”