With more than three million spectators in attendance and billions of global TV viewers tuning in to the 64 matches, the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ has been voted a major marketing success for Emirates, one of world’s fastest-growing airlines and an official partner of the event.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Emirates’ association with the 2006 FIFA World Cup allowed us to get closer to our customers and potential customers and be involved with a game that connects people of different cultures, nationalities and ages.”

“Although final figures have yet to be confirmed, the FIFA World Cup is the single largest sporting property and enjoys cumulative viewing figures of over 30 billion spectators in 213 countries. Our association with the FIFA World Cup also allowed us to provide our customers with a variety of experiences and reach out to new and existing passengers around the world.”

Emirates’ association with the FIFA World Cup included the sponsorship of the MatchCast element of the tournament’s official website www.FIFAworldcup.com, hosted by Yahoo!, the activation of 16 FIFA World Cup viewing stations at airports around the world, commercial displays at each stadia in Germany, the broadcast of all matches across the Emirates fleet, a partnership with Marriott International and a host of promotions allowing football fans across the world the chance to be at the 64-match tournament.

Sheikh Ahmed added: “We are now looking forward to our ongoing relationship with FIFA, which will also see Emirates as one of only six Official Partners at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup.”

Emirates flies to over 80 destinations in more than 55 countries including Malta. The airline operates four flights weekly from Malta to Dubai via Larnaca, Cyprus, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday on A330-200.