Al Qasba enters strategic partnership with Etisalat

Al Qasba and Etisalat established a partnership to support the UAE's landmark the Eye of the Emirates and all other events that will be organised at Al Qasba for the next three consecutive years.

The press conference was addressed by Mr. Abdul Aziz Taryam, General Manager, Etisalat Northern Emirates and Mr. Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Al Qasba Development Authority who pointed out the goals and aspects of cooperation through this important partnership.

Marwan Al Sarkal, CEO of Al Qasba Development Authority said, 'Al Qasba's achievements have been many over past few years, and today we enter yet another important chapter with Al Qasba's partnership with Etisalat. This strategic partnership with UAE's giant telecom will cover a three year contract for the sponsorship of the Eye of the Emirates and the portfolio of events held at Al Qasba for the next years. Hence, from today, the Eye of the Emirates, the highest observatory wheel in the region will be known as 'Etisalat - Eye of the Emirates'.

'At Al Qasba we are always keen to cooperate and unite with the government and private sectors to reinforce the position of the Emirate of Sharjah as well as the destination Al Qasba specifically, to attract the largest number of visitors from different nationalities and age groups. This partnership will undoubtedly add a unique dimension for our visitors, offering the best of this ultimate tourist, cultural, entertainment and family destination and making it one of the most visited destinations in the region.

'We are indeed proud of our partnership with the Emirates Telecommunications Corporation - Etisalat, which will unquestionably take us to a higher level of service, thanks to its repute as one of the leading corporations around the region and the world. The partnership is a promising one due to the common long term and short term goals and objectives of both organisations that take into consideration the fostering of social, economical and sporting pursuits of our country.'

Mr. Abdul Aziz Taryam added' This initiative comes as a part of our ongoing CSR strategy and as a reflection of our commitment towards our nation. We are glade to be the first company to announce its partnership with Al Qasba and the Eye of the Emirates and to be the partner company for one of the most prominent tourism attractions attraction symbols in the emirate of Sharjah.
'Etisalat have always strived to be market leaders and make great efforts to be the first to recognize and help emerging sectors for the region. It gives us great pleasure to partner with Al-Qasba and to be the associate company spearheading this drive to make Sharjah the hub for tourism and entertainment which are combined with the culture and arts.' Taryam said.

It was revealed that the partnership will further facilitate Al Qasba in developing the Eye of the Emirates as a destination by its own. Plans include the establishment of an attractive glass building around the wheel that will commensurate with the nature of modern architectural features of the structures of Al Qasba, reflecting the unique atmosphere of the area. Construction of the structure will begin early next year and will include cafes and shops for selling souvenirs and others items.

Since its inception in 2005 until May 2008, the Eye of the Emirates has already offered a remarkable experience to 450,000 riders in its 42 cabins, with the number of visitors steadily rising daily.

In addition to sponsoring the Eye of Emirates, the partnership will also include the sponsorship of all future Al Qasba events, whether cultural or sporting, artistic or entertainment.

The Al Qasba - Etisalat partnership hopes to reach out to the public through their various events and activities titled 'Reach entertainment' that is aimed at sending out positive messages to the community at large.

It was also announced that a wide promotional and marketing campaign throughout the UAE will be launched soon to reinforce this partnership.