Following the success of the last soccer tournament in which several expatriate teams took part, the Gulf Air Club is set to host the second multinational soccer tournament this year.
To be held during the second half of March 2006, the soccer tournament is open to all expatriates whether living and working in Bahrain or somewhere else. An all-Bahraini team will also be taking part in the tournament.
"This year the tournament is being held under the theme, 'the world is one country,'" says Head of Sports Committee Ahmed Al Banna.
"The tournament aims to bring together all expatriates promoting harmony, friendship and brotherhood among the multi-cultural and multi-ethnic communities in Bahrain."
"Gulf Air, as a leading pan-Arab airline connecting the Middle East and the rest of the world is proud to host this event."
Expatriates, who are interested in participating in the tournament, are encouraged to form a team of 15 players representing one particular country. There are no restrictions to the number of teams from one country.
A nominal fee of BD 50 is charged per team to cover the cost of professional referee's fee, a gala dinner reception for all, this will also include a raffle ticket for each player.
The winning team will receive the tournament Cup sponsored by Gulf Air.
"Teams from more than eight countries took part in the last tournament and the Saudi Arabia team was the winner while the Moroccan team was the runner up, " says Gulf Air Club Manager Yousif Alatif.
"We are expecting more than one team from each country this time. Some teams have already registered for the tournament and more enquiries are being received every day. We encourage expatriates, either individually or jointly representing a club or a company, to come forward and register. The only condition is that each team should represent one particular nation."
Individuals and teams interested in registering their names can get in touch with Mr Al Banna at [email protected] or Mr Alatif at [email protected].
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.
The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.
A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air’s ’smart airline, successful business’ vision.
International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline’s innovative and high quality products and services:
These include:
• Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
• Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
• Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
• World’s Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
• Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
• Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
• Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
• Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
• Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
• Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
• Middle East region’s best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
