Sports sponsorships still in vogue in the Gulf

Countries and companies in the GCC continue to pump millions of dollars into sports partnerships as a way to attract business and build recognition.

Emirates Airline's recent $180m deal with Formula One is the latest in long series of mega sports sponsorships that companies in the GCC have signed to build their brands. As a new global partner of Formula One, the Dubai-based carrier will have a branding presence at 15 races on the 2013 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar across the globe. 

The deal dovetails with Emirates efforts to spread its reach globally and adds to its growing roster of major sports partnerships. In 2005, it signed a record $162m deal with English football club Arsenal that includes sponsorship of shirts and advertisements on the pitch. Arsenal's home ground in North London was also named Emirates Stadium as part of the deal.

Read more: http://www.ameinfo.com/sports-sponsorships-vogue-gulf-328897