Abu Dhabi Day to return to Chelsea and Harlequins

Etihad, platinum sponsor of Chelsea and main sponsor of Harlequins, will be supported by other key Abu Dhabi companies at the events at Stamford Bridge and the Twickenham Stoop stadiums which will promote the UAE's capital city.

Visitors to Chelsea versus Blackburn Rovers, on Saturday 16 May, and Harlequins versus Newcastle Falcons, on Saturday 25 April, will see iconic Abu Dhabi images around each stadium as well as a falconry demonstration and a display of the Etihad Airways Formula 1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The announcement for the two Abu Dhabi Day events was made at a press conference hosted by England and Chelsea footballer, Joe Cole, who is visiting Abu Dhabi on holiday while he recuperates from an injury.

Joe said, "The final home game of the season is a special day for everyone and so it is an ideal chance for Etihad to showcase Abu Dhabi to the fans. Abu Dhabi is an amazing city and therefore to bring a taste of the UAE capital city to Stamford Bridge will make for an exciting climax to the season."

Etihad Airways will be supported by the Shangri-la Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council at both Chelsea and Harlequins.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' chief commercial officer, said:

"The first editions of Abu Dhabi Day were a real success and we are delighted to bring them now to Chelsea and Harlequins for the second year."

"There is a real carnival atmosphere at the end of the season and we look forward to sharing the delights of Abu Dhabi with fans from the football and rugby community," Baumgartner added.

Harlequins will also host the final of the Etihad Airways Curtain Raiser Cup, London's largest community rugby competition for children under 12, prior to the Quins - Falcons match.

The most improved under 12 player from each club will also have the chance to win a family holiday for four to Abu Dhabi, staying at the Shangri-La, courtesy of Etihad Airways and the ADTA.