Emirates a key sponsor of FIFA World Cup in Germany

Emirates, the international airline of the UAE, yesterday became an official partner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany as they spread their wings to acquire a greater global profile.

The landmark alliance was announced in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, FIFA Vice President Jack Warner and 2006 Organising Committee Chairman Franz Beckenbauer at a Burj Al Arab press luncheon.

Sheikh Ahmed signed the agreement, worth a whopping $30 million, that will give Emirates special commercial rights as one of the event's official partners.

Emirates also reaped an unexpected reward by becoming the first-ever airline to become an official partner of the FIFA World Cup.

Sheikh Ahmed said: "Our investment in sport is linked with our ongoing drive to develop into a global brand. We believe that being an official partner of FIFA will be good for Emirates, good for Dubai and good for the UAE.