newcastle United Strengthens Saudi Connection
Premier League football club Newcastle United has announced a new partnership with Saudi Arabia’s national carrier SAUDIA.
SAUDIA will become the team’s official tour airline partner, with the new relationship kicking off when the team travels to Saudi Arabia this December to conduct a warm weather training camp in Riyadh during the World Cup break.
The Magpies will travel to and from Saudi Arabia’s capital on board a SAUDIA chartered flight as part of the partnership, which will also see the airline introduce the partnership’s official digital hub – saudia-newcastleunitedfc.com – enabling fans to win prizes and experiences.
The team, which is sitting third in the Premier League after a strong start to the season, will play Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal Football Club as part of its camp.
Newcastle United’s Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Silverstone, said, “Whilst Newcastle United is on an exciting and ambitious journey to grow our global reach and fanbase, we are also very focussed on growing our fan base and following in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East.
“Our ambition is to become the most supported English Premier League football team in Saudi Arabia; a country whose population includes a large, young, passionate and highly engaged football community.
“We are delighted to partner with SAUDIA as our official tour airline partner, and we look forward to working with them during our trip to Riyadh and for the remainder of the 2022/23 English Premier League season.”
Khaled Tash, SAUDIA Group Chief Marketing Officer, said, “We are committed to bringing the world to Saudi Arabia, and this includes partnering with global sporting giants to further evolve our landscape.
“We hope to form a cultural bridge between Saudi Arabia and the world as we believe our culture has the potential to transcend borders, whereby we inspire and connect with guests from around the world in new and meaningful ways.”
The latest deal strengthens Newcastle United’s Saudi Arabian connection following the £300m takeover of the club by a Saudi-led consortium consisting of PCP Capital Partners, Reuben Brothers and the Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in October 2021.
Since then, the club has received significant investment and has seen hugely improved results on the pitch. However, the Magpies have faced criticism around its funding and the accusation of sportswashing.
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