Etihad to bring world's best Golfers to UAE

Etihad Airways has reaffirmed its commitment to bring the world?s top sports stars to the UAE with the announcement that it will be a lead sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship (ADGC) for the next three years.

As the official airline of the 2008-2010 ADGC, Etihad will be involved in a series of promotional activities surrounding the tournament as well as flying the players, officials and their equipment to the UAE.

Next year's tournament, taking place between 17 and 20 January 2008, is set to attract many of the world's top players including last year's winner Paul Casey, as well as Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter, Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways executive vice president marketing and product, said: "Etihad is extremely proud to play a central role in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. The ADGC has established itself as one of the most popular events on the European Tour and is a great way to start the 2008 golfing season."Launching golf's prestigious European Tour for 2008, the ADGC will once again be held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club and highlights the impressive growth of the UAE as a world-class golfing destination.

Mr Baumgartner added: ''The championship will focus the eyes of the golfing world on the UAE and showcase what a fantastic destination the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is, not only for golfing holidays but for all leisure travel.'' As part of its involvement in the 2006 and 2007 ADGC, Etihad organised innovative world record long golf drive attempts on the wing of one of its aircraft at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The "swing on the wing" competition will once again take place prior to the ADGC in January.

Mr Baumgartner added: ''Golf is a growing market for the travel industry, and therefore Etihad Airways looks forward to bringing more golfers, whether amateur or professional, to enjoy the perfect golfing conditions we have here in the UAE. (WAM)