By Mark Baber
January 14 – The president of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has given direct orders for Etihad Airways to operate flights to carry football fans to Bahrain, to support the UAE national football team in tomorrow’s semi-final of the 21st Gulf Cup of Nations against Kuwait.
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, will provide 872 seats on flights from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah to carry supporters from the UAE to Bahrain and back again on the day of the match.
Supporters can register at the Al Jazeera Club or the Al Ain Club in Abu Dhabi or the UAE Football Federation offices in Dubai.
Free return flights are only available to those who can show a UAE ID card or valid UAE passport.
In 2012, Sheikh Khalifa awarded Dh500,000 “in appreciation” to each player on the UAE football team which qualified to play in the London Olympics saying: “Good sports nurtures the brain and
brings up an aware generation that puts the reputation of his country and people first.”
Sheikh Khalifa is the President of the UAE and emir of Abu Dhabi. He is also chairman of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and has an estimated personal wealth of US$19 billion, making him the world’s third wealthiest monarch.
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