Arabian Sponsorship Awards Winners Announced
The Arabian Sponsorship Award winners for 2010 were announced today at the 2nd Arabian Sponsorship Forum in Abu Dhabi. Winners in various categories included ADCB, Etisalat, Etihad Airways and LG Electronics. The Awards are designed to recognize exceptional sponsorship activations which have taken place throughout the Arabian Gulf during the past 18 months.
Here's a list of the winners:
Business to Business Category presented by IFM Sports Marketing Surveys
Winner: Etisalat Telecoms Partner Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2010
The 2010 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship was held on 21st - 24th January at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club's National Course and was the fifth running of this event. Etisalat has supported the event for the past four years.
Etisalat considers the event as both a business to consumer and a business to business platform. The group is one of three platinum partners, but of more importance is Etisalat's status as Official Telecommunications partner.
Etisalat provided a diversified series of products and services to the Championship which cater for all its communications needs. This includes the media centre which is individually supported by Etisalat. In addition, Etisalat entertain key clients and customers throughout the four days, viewing the sponsorship as a means to reward staff through hospitality and via the sponsors day golf event.
Business to Community Category presented by The National
Winner: ADCB Emirates Woman of the Year Awards
The Emirates Woman of the Year Awards recognizes the achievements of UAE based women in business, culture, philanthropy and visionary fields. ADCB is the title sponsor of the Awards. In addition to the title sponsorship, ADCB developed a dedicated Award entitled the ADCB Ambition Award. The sponsorship of the Awards is completely in line with ADCB's mantra of 'Long Live Ambition'.
Business to Consumer Category presented by Sir Matthew Pinsent
Winner: Etisalat International Telecoms Partner of FC Barcelona
The four year Etislat FC Barcelona partnership was formed to enhance the brand awareness of Etisalat and support the group's ambition of becoming one of the most recognizable global telecom brands and help grow their consumer base. One of the key objectives was to connect with youth and establish brand loyalty at a young age; and provide them with fun and educational FC Barcelona activities. Etisalat has positioned itself as one of the leading MENA telecom football sponsors via FC Barcelona's positive values and has gained competitive advantage in football passionate markets.
Activation under $250K presented by Sports Care Program
Winner: LG Electronics Greenomics
LG's quest is to raise awareness and find solutions for issues that businesses face whilst developing more sustainable practices. By partnering with the UAE Minister of Environment and Water, Greenomics 2010 tackled "Clean Production". The major thrust of the campaign is the Greenomics conference that took place in November 2010 - LG were the event's main sponsor. The conference is held in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Water, and United Nations.
International Sponsorship Award presented by SportsBusiness
Winner: Etihad Airways Manchester City Football Club
In 2008 Etihad sought a sponsorship that would deliver global brand awareness. An English Premier League shirt sponsorship was identified as the solution, and the purchase by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nayhan of Manchester City FC provided the ideal opportunity for the airline to launch a UK and global business strategy. Etihad's goal was to expand its consumer market in the UK and UAE via the sponsorship. Since 2009, the Manchester/Abu Dhabi route has grown considerably, so much so that Etihad has expanded the route to provide an additional 700 seats per week and has launched a new lounge at Manchester Airport this week. With a committed activation strategy in both the UK and UAE, the Manchester City FC partnership is core to Etihad's global marketing strategy.
Sponsorship Personality 2010 presented by Danny Jordaan, CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
Winner: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad AlThani
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani is a former captain of the Qatar equestrian team and Chairman of Qatar's winning bid to stage the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His Highness is responsible for bringing the world's most important sporting event to the Middle East.
The Lifetime Services to the Arabian Sponsorship Industry Awards 2010, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council
Winner: HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and the Emirates Group
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates, sees sponsorship as vital in the airline's marketing strategy. "We believe sponsorships are one of the best ways to connect with our passengers. They allow us to share and support their interests and to build a closer relationship with them," he said. Current Emirates sponsorships in the region include: Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, Dubai International Racing Carnival, Dubai Tennis Championships, Dubai International Film Festival and Official FIFA World Cup Partner.
