Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, and Experience Abu Dhabi, the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), joined forces this weekend in support of Manchester City Football Club, at their Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday.

 

In front of the sell-out crowd at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester and broadcast live to millions of fans watching globally including those watching live on Etihad flights, Experience Abu Dhabi presented the destination’s new campaign ‘One Summer Isn’t Enough’, spotlighting the wide range of experiences available throughout the summer season in Abu Dhabi.

 

Ahead of the kick off, the two organisations celebrated their partnership and shared commitment towards encouraging visitors to the UAE capital. Following the Abu Dhabi campaign showcase, Etihad’s CEO Antonoaldo Neves and DCT Abu Dhabi’s Director General for Tourism, H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, were photographed at the centre of the pitch, accompanied by H.E. Nouf Al Boushelaibi, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications at DCT Abu Dhabi.

 

“We are truly proud of our long-term partner Manchester City’s fantastic achievement in winning the Premier League title this weekend. Our congratulations go to the entire Manchester City family - the team, the coaches, management, and all the fans worldwide - on this incredible achievement,” commented Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways. 

 

He continued, “Guests flying with us on Etihad can enjoy watching major sporting events live through the inflight entertainment E-BOX, including this exciting match between the two premier league giants. It has been an historic moment, whether you watched the match live on our flights or at the stadium itself. Our guests can use Etihad’s free inflight messaging to share in the excitement of the match with friends and family while flying.” 

 

“It is incredible to witness our long-time partners Manchester City realise their dream of winning the Premier League title, and I offer my warmest congratulations,” said DCT Abu Dhabi’s Director General for Tourism, H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry. “Collaborating and fostering strong relationships with our stakeholders is at the core of all we do at DCT Abu Dhabi. The unwavering support we receive from Etihad Airways and all our partners will certainly help us to achieve our target of welcoming more than 24 million visitors to the emirate this year, to discover all the exciting and inspiring experiences Abu Dhabi has in store for them.”

 

H.E. Nouf Al Boushelaibi, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications at DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Collaborating with Etihad Airways to showcase our new ‘One Summer Isn’t Enough’ campaign in front of millions of fans at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium and beyond was a truly thrilling moment. This has been an exceptional opportunity to further build awareness of the Experience Abu Dhabi brand among football fans by linking it with this monumental game.”

She added, “The campaign highlights that one summer season just isn’t enough time to discover the countless unforgettable experiences that can be enjoyed in Abu Dhabi.”

Bringing the ‘One Summer Isn't Enough’ campaign centre-stage, Experience Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways partnered to take over the centre circle at Manchester’s Etihad stadium. The campaign was broadcast on the super-sized stadium LED screens and featured in the souvenir Match Day programme.