Emirates Becomes Newest Player in Real Madrid's Star Line-up

Iker Casillas, Real Madrid captain and goalkeeper, Salem 
Obaidalla, Emirates' Senior VP, Comm. Oprtns, Eur. & 
Russian Fedn., Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid defender Boutros 
Boutros, Emirates' Divisional Sr. VP, Corp. Comms.
Florentino Perez, President of Real Madrid

MADRID, SPAIN – July 29th 2011 – Emirates is joining a host of stars at Real Madrid by adding the revered Spanish football team to its impressive sponsorship portfolio.

The deal, announced at a press conference today at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, sees Emirates become a Partner and Official Airline to the world's most successful football club.

With the aid of top players like Alfredo Di Stefano, Emilio Butragueño, Raul Gonzalez, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, David Beckham and now Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Casillas, Real Madrid have clinched 31 La Liga titles, 18 Copa Del Rey trophies and have conquered the UEFA Champions League a record nine times.

“Emirates is a world-renowned company that has always respected and valued sport. The airline shares our belief in loyalty, effort, commitment and innovation and these common principles will create a special understanding. We strongly believe this is a strategic alliance bridging us with our many followers all over the world," said Florentino Perez, President of Real Madrid.

"Adding Real Madrid to our European football sponsorship line-up further enhances a superb list of European teams that we support including Arsenal, HSV, PSG, AC Milan and Olympiacos," said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

"Having launched flights to Madrid on 1st August last year, this is a tremendous way for Emirates to mark the first anniversary of the route, while demonstrating our on-going support to sports and sports followers around the world," added Salem Obaidalla, Emirates' Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation.

Mr Obaidalla was present for the announcement in Madrid, along with Boutros Boutros, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez. Members of the first team also joined the event.

The sponsorship deal, over five seasons, gives Emirates international brand visibility at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and Real Madrid City, as well as promotional and hospitality rights worldwide. 

Aside from European football club sponsorships, Emirates is also an Official Partner of the FIFA World Cup™, the Official Airline of 12 golf tournaments internationally and supports a range of high-profile horse racing, tennis, rugby, sailing, and cricket events across the globe.

Emirates flies daily to Madrid, using an Airbus 340-300. EK141 departs Dubai at 0750hrs and arrives in Madrid at 1345hrs. EK 142 leaves Madrid at 1525hrs and gets into Dubai at 0030hrs the following day.