DOHA, Qatar – A phenomenal football match saw Qatar Airways’ sponsored FC Barcelona beat Al-Ahli Saudi FC, during the Match of Champions, with the winning side taking home the Qatar Airways Cup trophy. The match was hosted by Qatar Airways, the proud sponsor of both prestigious clubs who arrived to to play in front of a crowd of 18,000 fans from around the world.
Spectators were treated to an incredible show that extended beyond the match action to include entertainment provided by beloved Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi, a spectacular fireworks display, and 100 Qatar Airways cabin crew on the pitch carrying giant shirts for each of the competing clubs.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, and His Excellency Mr. Hassan Al Thawadi, Vice President of the Organizing Committee, presented the winners with the stunning 18 carat gold Qatar Airways Cup trophy, and handed out commemorative medals to the players of both teams. Inspired by the modern aircraft they fly, the trophy was designed by a team from Qatar Airways itself.
H.E. Mr. Al Baker commented; “Qatar Airways is proudly associated with the best – be that as the best airline with the best crew in the skies, or as the sponsor of the best football clubs in the world. The Match of Champions brought together two sides that are loved across the globe, with fans travelling to Doha from every corner of the world to watch this spectacular football event. Our congratulations go to FC Barcelona for a well-deserved win of the Qatar Airways Cup, and to both sides for a superb match. Qatar is earning a reputation as the home of international football in the GCC, and Qatar Airways is fully supportive of realising this in support of the vision of our Government.”
This year, Al-Ahli FC won the Saudi Professional League - the first time in 32 years. The club won the Saudi Super Cup and the King Cup, and came runner-up in the Crown Prince Cup. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona won their 24th La Liga title this year, the Copa del Rey and they are the reigning champions of the Fifa Club World Cup. The club won the treble in the 2014/2015 season - La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League titles.
In October 2014, Qatar Airways announced a sponsorship agreement for three seasons with Al-Ahli. Earlier this year, Qatar Airways extended its FC Barcelona sponsorship for another season, with the deal running until July 2017.
Qatar Airways operates 14 weekly non-stop flights from Barcelona to Doha, with connections to points across the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa.
The airline also operates 28 weekly frequencies to Jeddah, the home of Al Ahli Saudi FC.
Notes to Editors:
For Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/qatarairways/albums/72157677732788276
The Match of Champion highlights can be seen here: https://youtu.be/lTTyXYY25A4
About Qatar Airways:
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 191 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was awarded World's Best Business Class; Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East at the prestigious 2016 World Airline Awards managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.
Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld global alliance. The award-winning alliance was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance 2015 by Skytrax for the third year running. Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.
Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ inflight entertainment system offers passengers up to 3,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380, A319 as well as select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.
Qatar Airways is one of the world’s leaders in sponsoring global sporting events, including the strategic team sponsorships of FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia FC. Qatar Airways’ strategy reflects the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message - Going Places Together.
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s third largest cargo carrier, serves more than 50 exclusive freighter destinations worldwide via its Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations globally on 191 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet now includes eight Airbus 330Fs, 11 Boeing 777 freighters and two Boeing 747 freighters.
For further information contact:
Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 4022 2200, Fax: +974 40225350
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa
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For Qatar Airways corporate images, please click here: http://www.qatarairways.com/corporateimages