Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UAE Wrestling Federation to become its Official Airline and Strategic Partner, supporting athletes, sport and communities across the Emirates.

Signed during Arabian Travel Market at Dubai World Trade Centre, the partnership will see Etihad support the Federation’s activities and athlete development, while creating opportunities to engage fans and communities through competitions, digital platforms and grassroots initiatives.

Etihad will also hold naming rights for the Federation’s primary training centre, reinforcing its support for athletes and development programmes.

The partnership will place particular emphasis on advancing women’s wrestling, with Etihad supporting initiatives aimed at increasing female participation and creating pathways for the next generation of women athletes.

The MoU was signed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Secretary-General of the UAE Wrestling Federation, and Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Secretary General of the UAE Wrestling Federation said: "This Memorandum of Understanding represents an important step in the UAE Wrestling Federation's journey towards building strategic partnerships with leading national organisations that support our plans to develop wrestling in the UAE. Through our collaboration with Etihad, we look forward to expanding areas of cooperation and creating new opportunities that support our athletes and national teams, as well as their participation in various championships and events."

He added: "We believe that meaningful partnerships play a vital role in supporting the Federation's journey and achieving its aspirations for the next phase. This collaboration will help create further opportunities for athletes and contribute to the continued growth of wrestling in the UAE."

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “At Etihad we take people beyond borders, connecting dreams, ambitions and possibilities with the world. Through our partnership with the UAE Wrestling Federation, we are proud to help take the journeys of UAE athletes further, from the training ground to the global stage. This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting the UAE’s sporting ambitions and the athletes who represent our nation on the international stage. Their determination, resilience and pursuit of excellence embody the same spirit of going further, and we look forward to sharing their stories with audiences around the world.” -TradeArabia News Service