The football team, Newcastle United, renewed its partnership with airline company Saudia on Thursday, promising ‘exclusive offers and experiences’ for North East supporters and actively participating in ‘expanding’ the route network (there are currently no direct flights between Newcastle Airport and Saudi Arabia). The goal of Newcastle United is to become ‘the most popular Premier League club in Saudi Arabia.’ Last season, the team collaborated with the Saudi national carrier, with the first team using the airline for warm weather training and a match against Al-Hilal.
Newcastle United, a football team, and Saudia, an airline, renewed their partnership on Thursday. The football team promised ‘exclusive offers and experiences’ for supporters in the North East and actively took part in ‘expanding’ the route network (at the moment, there are no direct flights between Newcastle Airport and Saudi Arabia). To become “the most popular Premier League club in Saudi Arabia” is Newcastle United’s stated objective. The first team used the airline for warm-weather training and a match against Al-Hilal during their partnership with the Saudi national carrier last season.
“Our goal is to take Newcastle United to new heights and establish ourselves as the most well-liked Premier League team in Saudi Arabia and other countries.” Saudi Arabia will allow Newcastle United to enter new markets while fortifying our ties with supporters worldwide.”We can’t wait to embark on this adventure. We are excited about the challenge and chance to help Saudia reach new audiences and broaden its route network by utilising Newcastle United’s enormous worldwide exposure.
Accepting the contract extension, Saudia saw it as an opportunity to’reach new audiences’ and use the football team to introduce the Middle Eastern nation to the people of the United Kingdom.
Khaled Tash, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Saudia, stated: “Our partnership with Newcastle United is in line with our vision of creating meaningful connections that transcend boundaries at SAUDIA.” We saw in Newcastle United a team steeped in tradition, grounded in moral convictions, and supported fervently by a devoted fan base.
It’s exciting to get the chance to interact with Newcastle United’s supporters. It is really thrilling to think about the possibility of connecting with millions of followers and introducing them to our brand, values, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We are eager to introduce Saudi Arabia to new audiences in the UK and raise awareness of the variety of leisure and business travel options that Saudi Arabia offers thanks to its well linked worldwide network, all through our superior product and developing route network.
After the club’s ownership in 2021, this transaction represents Newcastle United’s most recent connection to Saudi Arabia. The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which completed the high-profile acquisition of Newcastle United from Mike Ashley two years ago, owns the majority of the team.
The Saudi entertainment firm Sela sponsors St James’ Park, which has hosted the national team of Saudi Arabia in addition to them participating in warm weather camps and friendlies within the country.
Although the owners have made significant investments in on-field talent and helped Newcastle United go from Premier League relegation struggles to the Champions League, others have criticised the team’s intimate ties to the nation, accusing it of engaging in sportswashing. Saudi Arabia has a dismal record on human rights, with restrictions on free expression, widespread use of the death penalty and torture, restrictions on women’s rights, and prosecution of LGBTQ+ people under uncodified Islamic law.
