Emirates rolls out star send-off for Al Ain FC ahead of Fifa Club World Cup

Dubai: Former AFC Champions League winners Al Ain FC depart for Club World Cup with Emirates as Official Airline Partner

Al Ain FC have left for the United States to take part in the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14. Supporting the Club on their journey, Emirates flew over 50 players and staff to Washington D.C. on Tuesday night.

The team’s travel experience was made special by Emirates. Upon arrival at Emirates Terminal 3 in Dubai, the squad received a warm welcome and a special message from the flight deck, wishing them success at the tournament.

Partnership takes off

Emirates, earlier this week, formalised Al Ain’s Official Partner and Official Airline Partner for the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup and the 2025/26 season.

As part of the agreement, the Emirates logo will appear on the sleeve of Al Ain’s training jerseys during the Club World Cup, and on the back of their training kit for all home and international matches next season. Emirates will also receive branding and hospitality rights at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, along with digital and promotional opportunities through the Club’s media platforms.

The partnership reinforces Emirates’ ongoing commitment to promoting the UAE as a global sporting destination.

Creating pathways for emerging talent

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “We’re pleased to partner with Al Ain FC at the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup and for the Club’s next season. 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 home-grown talent and propelling the sport to thrive on the international stage. Our commitment to UAE football extends beyond mere sponsorship — it’s also about creating pathways for emerging talent, fostering cross-cultural sporting exchanges, and establishing the UAE as a beacon of football excellence and as a dynamic sports hub of the highest calibre.”

Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Al Ain Football Club Company Board of Directors, said: “Al Ain Football Club is proud to represent the UAE at the Club World Cup. We’re also excited to be associated with Emirates Airline, with the airline serving as a powerful ambassador for the UAE, showcasing the nation’s progressive spirit to the world, and this partnership elevates our tournament participation with enhanced national pride and purpose.”

In addition to supporting Al Ain FC, Emirates sponsors the UAE Pro League, which features 14 professional clubs competing for the national title. The airline’s sponsorship portfolio includes some of the world’s biggest names in football, such as AC Milan, Real Madrid, Olympique Lyonnais, SL Benfica, and Arsenal FC — whose home ground, Emirates Stadium, bears the airline’s name. Emirates is also the Title Partner of The Emirates FA Cup, the world’s oldest domestic football tournament.