Etihad will be the official sponsor of the UAE’s national football teams, including the First team, Olympic team and the Youth teams DUBAI: Etihad Airways has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with the UAE Football Association, state news agency WAM reported. Under the partnership, Etihad will be the official sponsor of the UAE’s national football teams, including the First team, Olympic team and the Youth teams. Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al-Nuaimi, the UAEFA president, said in a statement that ‘Etihad’s sponsorship of Emirati football aids the implementation of programs to develop national teams and helps the football community to continue its work and achieve its administrative and technical goals, praising the airline’s clear role in community service.’ “We hope (this) will help to raise the country’s flag in continental and international competitions. The partnership with Etihad adds strength to the Football Association and makes it more capable of facing challenges.” “Football is in our DNA – we’ve been proud supporters of prestigious football clubs around the world for many years – and the entire Etihad family is incredibly excited to support ‘the beautiful game’ in our home country. This is a hugely significant partnership and we, as the UAE’s national airline, look forward to nurturing this over the years to come,” Tony Douglas, Etihad’s group chief executive, meanwhile said.