Gulf Air scores with Oman Football Association

Gulf Air - the national carrier of Sultanate of Oman - will become an integral part of the country's international football set up following a multi-million dollar sponsorship deal whereby the airline will be the official sponsor for the national senior, Olympic, Under-19 and Under-17 teams.

"As part of our smart airline, successful business strategy, we are already helping to build a better future for Oman by way of our financial contribution to the country's economy,"

says Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan. "This has been achieved by increased flights through Seeb Airport and initiatives such as the new maintenance centre and the worldwide call centre in Muscat. Now we want to turn to more leisurely pursuits and build something that is even closer to the heart of most Omanis - the national football teams.

Hogan adds that football is the national sport of Oman.

"What better way to fulfill one's commitment as the national airline than to put significant financial and logistical support behind the OFA? We hope that we can help the senior team climb the world rankings and at the same time foster exciting new footballing talent across the Sultanate."

Hogan and OFA Chairman, Khalil bin Ahmed Al Khalili signed the three-year sponsorship deal at a gala lunch at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel in front of a number of dignitaries, including Oman's Minister of Sports Affairs, HE, Ali bin Masoud bin Ali Al Sunaidi.

"We are grateful to Gulf Air for their initiative, which is the first of its kind for the Oman Football Association," says Al Khalili. "This falls in line with Oman's strategy to chalk out a bright future for sports in the Sultanate and will be a catalyst to further develop and promote the sporting scene in Oman - one of our top priorities."

The three-year sponsorship will give Gulf Air multiple branding, promotional and sales opportunities including naming rights, team attire, tournaments signage, trade display, spectator entrance branding, after game ceremonies, VIP hospitality, other printed materials, promotional activities, travel commitments, player promotions, promotional materials and all media and advertising activities.

This announcement is the latest in a number of high profile sponsorships by Gulf Air in the sultanate, including the Muscat Festival, Rally Oman and the Omani Song Festival.

"Gulf Air and Oman Football have a lot in common," says Hogan. "We are both national institutions, we both represent the spirit of a nation and both have fighting character.

"We are also proud to fly the flag of our country around the globe and through our success we are helping educate a wider audience about Oman. Most importantly, we believe that by working together we can achieve greater success," he adds.