DUBAI: AC Milan has inaugurated its headquarters in Dubai to strengthen its ties with key partners in the Middle East while tapping into commercial opportunities in the region, the Italian soccer club said on Monday.
The Gulf region is a pivotal hub for global soccer, with nations such as the UAE and Qatar having bought top-level clubs such as Paris St Germain in France and Britain’s Manchester City.
High-profile players like Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo play in Saudi Arabia and Qatar hosted the men’s World Cup last year.
AC Milan announced last year plans to establish an office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), saying it had 2.5 million fans in the Middle East.
The UAE is home to AC Milan’s main partner and Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates airline – a sponsor since 2007 – whose logo has been emblazoned on the shirts worn by their players since 2010.
The opening is a significant milestone in the development of the club under the leadership of US investment firm RedBird Capital Partners, which acquired the seven-time European Cup champions in a 1.2 billion euro ($1.28 billion) deal in 2022.
