AC Milan returns to Dubai for 'Winter Tour'

The AC Milan Winter Tour is brought to Dubai exclusively by Emirates and will see the likes of Ballon d'Or winners Kaka and Ronaldinho - both of whom are FIFA World Player of the Year winners - and Andriy Shevchenko training in Dubai along with other stars including Paolo Maldini, Clarence Seedorf and Pato.

Boutros Boutros, Emirates' Senior Vice President, Media Relations, Sponsorships and Events, said:

"We are delighted to be bringing AC Milan to Dubai for the winter tour which will give local football supporters a unique opportunity to see some of the best players in the world in their own backyard. Dubai provides a wonderful setting for this type of tour and with its world-class training facilities and stadiums, along with the favourable weather at that time of the year, we know the players will enjoy every moment of their stay here."

During the week-long Dubai tour which will run from 29th December this year to 7th January 2009, AC Milan will participate in the Dubai Football Challenge, presented by the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Emirates.

The European giants will take on Emirates-sponsored Hamburg SV in a mouth-watering 'super game' on Tuesday, January 6th, at Emirates' purpose built sports facility 'The Sevens'.

Hamad Mohammed bin Mejren, Executive Director Business Tourism at DTCM, states:

"The response internationally to the Dubai Football Challenge over recent years has been highly encouraging. I am confident that this year's event will be another fantastic spectacle for Dubai and once again we welcome the support from Emirates Airline. In the past years the Dubai Football Challenge has achieved great success and encouraging results. I am confident that the 2009 event will reflect a positive image of Dubai as a leading tourism and sporting destination in the world. This indeed highlights the intention of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing who continue to strive for excellence."

Hamburg SV are the reigning champions of the Dubai Football Challenge which is once again being organised by Footballs World Series.

The showpiece tournament, which is in its third year, has proven to be tremendously successful with sell-out crowds and global media exposure making it one of the leading events on Dubai's sporting calendar.

Stuart Webb, Footballs World Series' Chairman, said, "On the back of two successful tournaments, this year's revamped format is set to be the most exciting to date. The one off super game between AC Milan and Hamburg SV has the hallmark of being a classic game of attacking football with many of the world 's leading players performing live of Dubai."