Emirates Airlines to be a major sponsor of STARS 2001

STARS 2001 will be the inaugural staging of what is to become an annual event to celebrate technological achievement and raise money for children in need throughout the world. To this end the STARS Foundation is working with the United Nations Global Movement for Children.

Speaking at the press conference in Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Airline said: "The STARS event is a noble cause to help the children of the world that Emirates is proud to be associated with."

His Highness went on to explain that the airline's involvement is a progression of their service. "We will be responsible for bringing many of the delegates to the summit and will proudly fly the STARS logo on the fuselages of our aircraft. We are also proud to be able to continue to play a prominent role in highlighting Dubai as a major centre not only in the Middle East but around the world."

Emirates aircraft will be branded to quite literally fly the STARS flag around the world. Whilst Emirates aircraft carry the word internationally, an aggressive domestic branding campaign begins on the ground today in Dubai.

Representing the Government of Dubai at the press conference, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Chairman of Palm Island, said: "Summits such as STARS are designed to encourage the discussion and development of new ideas by global entrepreneurs, experts and decision-makers to benefit a greater number of people around the world."

"Of course, an event of this size is not a one-man show. It has taken the collaboration and hard work of many government departments and committees in preparation. Cuch Departments include Dubai Internet City, Dubai World Trade Centre, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Department of Civil Aviation, Department of Economic Development, Dubai Transport, Department of Naturalization & Immigration and the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation.

He continued: "Dubai is set to show a welcoming face to visitors as part of the colourful branding campaign throughout the streets and government buildings, shopping centers, airport and hotels of the city.

"The branding campaign is aimed to give the identity of STARS for years to come and to increase local awareness of the event's importance. "