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The prestige and glamour associated with the season-ending HH the Emir Cup is without any doubt, second to none. Launched in 1972 and held annually in April and May, the Emir Cup is the most popular sport event in the country that receives remarkable interest from passionate fans of all ages and nationalities.
Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. (AAB) has been supporting the prestigious tournament for many years as the Emir Cup's official automotive partner.
In this interview with Qatar Tribune's Victor Bolorunduro, Chief Operating Officer (Automotive) at AAB RK Murugan, talks about the company's association with the tournament as well as the future plans. Excerpt:
Q: Your company has a very long relationship with the Emir Cup, how has the journey been so far?
A: Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. has been supporting the game of football including Emir Cup for the past many years as part of our corporate policy to support major sporting events in the country. Football being the most popular game in the country and Emir Cup being the most prestigious tournament marking end of football season, we at Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. are privileged to partner with Qatar Football Association in sponsoring the Emir Cup.
What motivated you into sponsoring the Emir Cup?
Toyota/Lexus are the market leaders in the automotive sector in Qatar. Being the automotive leader, we always feel it is our duty to give something back to the society and by supporting the game of football. It helps to promote young talents who are interested in football. True to our vision, Qatar will be hosting the 2022 World Cup.
What can you say about the growth of the tournament over the years?
Our visionary leaders have helped in promoting football in the country and bring professionalism to the game. Today Qatar has one the best team in the GCC and ranked 95th position, the country's highest ever climb in recent years.
As a sports loving company, are you open to other initiatives of this magnitude?
In addition to Football, AAB has supported this year's HH the Emir Sword Endurance Race, HH the Emir Sword Show Jumping event as well as HH the Emir Sword Hejan Racing. In the past, AAB was one of the sponsors of International Paralympic championship that was held in Qatar in 2015.
What should people expect from AAB at this year's tournament?
Being the official automotive partner, Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. is supplying a fleet of Toyota & Lexus vehicles for the transportation of VIPs and other spectators to witness the final match.
As a company with great emphasis on CSR, what are your future plans for sports in Qatar; particularly in the build up to the 2022 World Cup?
It is the corporate policy of our company to support major sporting events in the country. Currently our focus is towards Football and traditional sports like Endurance Race, Horse Show Jumping, Hejan racing etc. Participation in other events are considered on case to case basis.
What are the long-term objectives of your partnership with the Emir Cup?
Partnering with the most prestigious and popular event, HH the Emir Cup has certainly helped in enhancing brand values for Toyota and Lexus as well as corporate image of AAB. But our objective of partnering with Emir Cup is purely CSR in promoting the game of football in the country.
