Emirates supports UBS Hong Kong Open as official airline

The UBS Hong Kong Open, co-sanctioned between the European Tour, the Asian Tour and the Hong Kong Golf Association, will take place at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling, between 1st and 4th December. This year's tournament offers the biggest-ever prize money of US$1.2 million.

Emirates is committed to sports sponsorship and believes it is a vital element in the airline's marketing mix and a perfect way to connect its customers and share their passion.

Edwin Lau, Emirates' Regional Manager Great China and North East Asia, said: "Emirates is proud to be associated with the Hong Kong Open for the first time. As a prominent supporter of golf events around the world, our involvement with the Hong Kong Open is part of a strategy to expand our golf sponsorship portfolio into this region and enhance our brand awareness in the market."

"Emirates believes that sponsorship is one of the best ways to integrate with our passengers. It allows us to share and support their interests and to build a personal relationship with them. Our sponsorship of the UBS Hong Kong Open helps us achieve this goal."

Commenting on Emirates support of the Hong Kong Open, Tan Sri Razali, Chairman, Parallel Media Asia, the event organisers, said: "We are delighted that Emirates will be supporting the UBS Hong Kong Open this year. It is fantastic to see companies of the calibre of Emirates supporting this most prestigious of events and makes a welcome addition to our family of sponsors. With the backing of brands such as Emirates we are confident that this year's tournament will be the best ever."

Emirates will be prominent at this year's event with its own charity competition and will offer attractive prizes and other activities for event spectators and its business partners.

Emirates is a committed supporter of golf around the world and in addition to the UBS Hong Kong Open, it is the Official Airline for five other PGA European Tour sanctioned tournaments including The Dubai Desert Classic, The BMW Munich International Open, the BMW Asian Open, The Holden New Zealand Open as well as the Austrian Open which announced official European Tour status in August.

In the past few years, Emirates has gained a unique reputation for global sports sponsorship. Its global portfolio covers numerous sports events including the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, Arsenal Football Club and Emirates Stadium (starting 2006 season), and a host of high-profile horse racing, tennis, rugby, sailing, Australian rules football and cricket events around the world.

Since its launch in 1985, Emirates is among the world's fastest-growing international airlines, the fifth most profitable and 20th largest. Based in Dubai, Emirates currently operates services to more than 75 cities in 54 countries in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent and Asia-Pacific. It has received more than 280 international awards in recognition of its efforts to provide unsurpassed levels of customer service.