Hot on the heels of the announcement of a Main Sponsor for the XCAT World Series, event organisers, the World Professional Powerboating Association (WPPA) have signed yet another partner, Dubai Duty Free.
This latest announcement sees the leading airport retailer coming on board as sponsor for the action-packed powerboating Series. This is a particularly significant step given the Series’ recent expansion into the international market, with the next race scheduled for Italy at the end of next month.
Dubai Duty Free have long been a champion of sporting events, sponsoring the
(From left) Salah Tahlak (Senior Vice President - Corporate Communications, Dubai Duty Free), Colm McLoughlin (Executive Vice Chairman, Dubai Duty Free), Dr. Khalid Al Zahed (Vice President, WPPA) and George Horan (President, Dubai Duty Free) celebrate the announcement of Dubai Duty Free’s sponsorship of the XCAT World Series at the leading airport retailer’s headquarters in Dubai, with current Series leaders Fazza’s boat in the background.
Dubai Desert Classic and the Dubai World Cup among others, and of course as owners and organisers of the ever-popular Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
“We are thrilled to have Dubai Duty Free on board,” said WPPA Vice President Dr. Khalid Al Zahed. “Theirs is one of the great success stories of Dubai and it is fantastic to be associated with such a thriving brand. We have no doubt this will be a truly mutually beneficial partnership as the XCAT World Series goes from strength to strength with an exciting year ahead of us.”
“We are proud to be one of the main sponsors of XCAT World Series. Powerboat racing is one marine sport with a very strong following in the region, as it reflects part of UAE’s rich culture, history and location,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free.
Since its inception in 1983, Dubai Duty Free has grown to become one of the leading airport retailers in the world with sales turnover of Dhs5.9 billion (US$1.6 billion) in 2012. Employing over 5,700 people, the operation has consistently raised the benchmark for airport retailing in the Middle East, and has received over 250 industry awards.
Three rounds of the 2013 UIM XCAT World Series have already taken place, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with the next round due to take place in the stunning lakeside town of Stresa in Italy from August 30- September 1. Dubai-based Fazza still leads the series standings with 830 points with Mouawad 50 second on 671 and the Victory team third on 525.
