UEFA Champions League Trophy Visits UAE for First Time
 UEFA Champions League Experience showcases the most prestigious prize in
European club football in Abu Dhabi
 Exciting new concept wows crowds with breathtaking performances from world
champion football freestylers
Dubai, UAE, May 04, 2015 – Football fans in the UAE welcomed a special guest this
weekend, thanks to the UEFA Champions League Experience. The soon-to-be-opened retail
and dining concept at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi, hosted the official UEFA Champions League
Trophy from May 1-2, the first time ever that the highest form of silverware in European
club football has visited the country.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for lovers of the ‘beautiful game’ to see the greatest
trophy in European club football live and in the flesh. It is an honour to host the UEFA
Champions League trophy during its inaugural visit to the UAE and to give the thousands of
passionate football fans the chance to see it in all its glory,” said Khaled Almheiri, vicechairman and managing director of Marka PJSC, the organisation responsible for bringing
the UEFA Champions League Experience to the UAE.
Among the activities that accompanied the UEFA Champions League Trophy were
breathtaking demonstrations of ‘ball juggling’ on a special stage from two of the world’s top
football freestylers. John Farnworth has won both World and European Titles and is the
current holder of five World Records, while Andrew Henderson is the current World
Champion, holding three World Champion and five UK Champion titles. The incredible
tricks and acrobatic ball control skills of the impressive duo were accompanied by a
commentary from renowned sports radio host, Haitham Obaid. Surprise flash mob events
also took place during the event, with fans attending having their photos taken next to the
trophy as permanent mementos of the occasion.
Scheduled to open in early June 2015, the store will feature a casual dining restaurant
where patrons can enjoy signature dishes served in a stadium-inspired setting designed to
replicate the atmosphere of the UEFA Champions League, whilst watching live matches as
well as highlights and archive footage on giant screens.
Fans visiting the 17,000-square-foot UEFA Champions League Experience will be able to
buy merchandise from all the top European football teams. Memorabilia signed by football
legends such as Lionel Messi, Steven Gerrard and Cristiano Ronaldo will be on display - as
well as available for purchase - and there will be a museum where football devotees can
learn more about their favourite teams and players.
“There could be no better way to announce the launch of the UEFA Champions League
Experience than by hosting the most coveted prize in European club football, the UEFA
Champions League Trophy, for its first ever visit to the UAE,” said Nick Peel, CEO of Marka.
“The‫ ة‬all is packing in crowds of football fans who are taking the opportunity of having
their photo taken with the Cup and enjoying the incredible freestyling skills that are on
display - we are delighted to be giving a taste of what’s in store with our new UEFA
Champions League Experience that opens next month,” he added.
-ENDS-
About Marka PJSC
Marka PJSC (DFM: MARKA) is the first public joint stock company focused on the fast growing retail sector in
the UAE. Incorporated with a capital of Dhs 500 million and headquartered in Dubai, Marka is a premier retail
operator targeting the mid-to-high-range segments in sports retail, fashion and hospitality. Since
incorporating in 2014, Marka has partnered with leading global brands in the retail and hospitality sectors,
pursuing a growth strategy focused on acquisitions, franchise agreements and unique retail concepts.
Marka is committed to offering value to its customers through high quality products and services at optimum
costs, simultaneously generating value for its shareholders and giving back to the communities in which it
operates.
For further information about Marka and to learn more about our brands, visit www.markaholding.com
About UEFA
UEFA is the governing body of European football. UEFA's mission is to promote, protect and develop
European football at every level of the game, to promote the principles of unity and solidarity, and to deal
with all questions relating to European football. For more information, please visit UEFA.org.
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For editorial information contact:
Riham Musleh
Cicero & Bernay Public relations
Mobile: 0509284398
Email: [email protected]