This Arab airline just became FIFA's official carrier

It's one of the biggest sporting sponsorships in the world.
By Jason Lemon

Qatar Airways and FIFA have announced one of the biggest sporting sponsorships in the world, with a deal that extends through 2022.

The Doha-based airline will be the official airline and official partner of the international sports organization for the next five years. This will give the Qatari carrier's branding significant global exposure during the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, the FIFA Club World Cup, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, among other competitions.

"Qatar Airways is an ideal partner for FIFA as we prepare for the first-ever World Cup in the Gulf region, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar," FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said in a statement. 

 "We look forward to working hand in hand with Qatar Airways to promote FIFA competitions and football around the world," she said.

The airline also expressed excitement for the partnership.

"Qatar Airways understands the power of sport in bringing people together in the spirit of friendly competition," Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said. 

"We look forward to celebrating wins with the fans, being inspired by the artistry of the players, and to the excitement of each match over the next two FIFA competition cycles," he said.

The value of the deal has not been disclosed. Qatar Airways joins Coca-Cola, Gazprom, Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group, Adidas, Visa and Hyundai - all of which are official partners in the highest level of sponsorship. 

UAE-based Emirates airline previously partnered with FIFA until 2014, when it chose not to renew its contract as the international sporting body was embroiled in accusations of bribery.

Qatar Airways already sponsors several football clubs, including FC Barcelona and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli FC. It also partners with Formula E races in Paris and New York, and the UCI Road World Championships.

In recent years, Qatar has been attempting to position itself as a global hub for sports, with the 2022 World Cup being the highest-profile sporting event it has been able to attract to date. 

The emirate has also bid to host the Olympics twice, for 2016 and 2020. Although the bids failed, Doha has vowed to bid again to host the 2024 Olympic Games. 

You may also like

Here's how Khaleeji life has evolved over the last century

Photos showing change and development.
OMO
OMO

The leaders of the Khaleej have put a strong emphasis on developing for the future. From futuristic transportation technologies, to modern architectural wonders and even plans to build a city on Mars, the GCC is at the cusp of rapid development. 

But, thinking of the future is nothing new in the region, and these plans are the continuation of decades of rapid development and expansion. 

Here's a look at how much Khaleeji countries have changed over the last 100 years. 

In the early 1900s, it was literally camels in the desert

Camel caravan of pilgrims to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 1910.  

The discovery of oil led to an era of rapid development

King Abdulaziz and the U.S. Petrol Minister, laying the groundwork for the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (ARAMCO), 1934.  

Cities grew quickly

Shoppers strolling down King Saud Street in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, 1954. 

And new forms of transportation came to the region

Dubai International Airport was born in 1960.   

But traditional culture didn't fade away

Smoking shisha on an Emirati street, circa 1960s. 

From camels to automobiles ...

Street scene in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in the 1960s. 

Things have changed a lot, even in just a few decades

Al Ain Town Center, UAE, in the 1980s. 

Internationally recognized monuments rose into the skies

Burj Al Arab, Dubai, being built, 1990s. 

Khaleeji cities transformed into international hubs

Dubai traffic at night, 2010s. 

Khaleeji skylines became something to be admired

Kuwait City at dusk. 

But they remained tranquil homes as well

Beachside in Abu Dhabi. 

Tradition and modernity have meshed together

Two Emirati men.

But some things, like family bonds, never change

A Saudi family playing together. 

You may also like