Emirates brings county cricket to UAE

Now in its second year, the tournament will welcome six high profile English County sides to the UAE from 17th - 25th March, competing for one of cricket's premier pre-season events. Nat West Pro 40 winners Sussex, Friends Provident winners Essex, Twenty 20 champions Middlesex; Surrey, Lancashire and current trophy holdersYorkshire will be joined by the UAE national team and a Fly Emirates XI completing a team line up that's sure to create a fascinating contest.

Emirates has been committed to sports sponsorship in both the UAE and around the world for over twenty years, with a specific interest in cricket. The Dubai-based airline is an Official Partner of the ICC and sponsor of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires and Match Referees for all Test and One Day international matches, including the branding of on-field clothing worn by umpires and referees with the "Fly Emirates" logo.

Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline and Group, said:

"Emirates is proud to support the ARCH tournament, which will see some of the best known players in cricket competing here in the UAE. It will be a wonderful opportunity for the cricket fans based in the region to see these players in action before they head back to their busy season in the UK."

Organised by Sport Arabia Ltd, the event was founded by England cricketer James Kirtley who commented, "Sport Arabia are delighted to have secured Emirates Airline as the headline sponsor. It is our belief that this event will grow in stature and will become a major fixture in the annual cricket calendar."

Tournament Director Matthew Jackson commented on Sport Arabia's unique position in the UAE market place:

"We are thrilled to be returning to the UAE to compete for the Emirates Airline Pro ARCH trophy, as it really contributes to developing the interest in cricket across the UAE region. We believe it will give the UAE national side the perfect springboard for their World Cup qualifying tournament in April 2009."