Arsenal FC has teamed up with luxury real estate developer Sobha Realty to help strengthen its brand in overseas markets.
Ravi Menon, Co-chairman of Sobha Realty, Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty and Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer of Arsenal FC, have signed a multi-year agreement that will see Sobha Realty become the club’s official global real estate partner.
As part of the deal, Sobha Realty’s presence will be at all men’s and women’s domestic games played at the club’s Emirates Stadium.
It will also see Arsenal and Sobha Realty collaborate on initiatives to develop the sports industry in Dubai and beyond. This includes hosting football experiences, including youth football clinics, tournaments and seminars.
The luxury developer will also gain naming rights to The WM Club – a premium match-day hospitality suite at Emirates Stadium – which will now be known as ‘The WM Club, Presented by Sobha Realty.’
Arsenal’s Juliet Slot said: “It is important that our partners share our vision, and Sobha Realty’s strong heritage in the region and its unwavering commitment to always moving forward match our own ambitions as a club.
“This is our first official global real estate partner, a further sign of our commercial strength, and ability to continue attracting new partners from a diverse field of industries and backgrounds.”
Sobha’s Francis Alfred added: “Our collaboration is a crucial step towards promoting excellence and growth in both real estate and sport.
“We have seen a heightened interest in Dubai real estate from UK consumers and with this partnership with Arsenal, we look forward to strengthening our brand in the UK and surrounding markets.”
To celebrate the partnership, a 1,000-strong drone show lit up the sky above Jumeirah Beach Residences in Dubai.
Ravi Menon said: “Our collaboration with the globally-recognised football institution is a coming together of shared values of both organisations as the‘ art of the detail’ meets the ‘art of football’”.
