Hosting a world class football tournament - Dubai, UAE

Desert Adventures, the unit of Kuoni Destination Management specialised in the Middle East, was a host in logistical services for the World Football Tournament in Dubai, UAE, in February 2011.

Desert Adventures provided accommodation and transportation for three of the competing teams: Sparta Prague, Al Hilal and Zilina Slovakia. In total, 630 room nights were secured. Additionally, they arranged the necessary training facilities for the Al Hilal team.

The World Class Football Tournament took place in Dubai for the first time and was arranged by Matchworld Group SA. As a fully integrated sports company, they operate on a global basis, arranging sports industry investments, events and services to the entire spectrum of stakeholders of the sports industry, such as leagues, teams, players and athletes, as well as sponsors and content distributors across all media.

“This event was supported by the Dubai Sports Council, which highlights its importance for our destination. All tournament games were broadcasted in various countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, as well as on the local Dubai Sports TV channels. The event is expected to be held in Dubai on a yearly basis, giving this destination excellent exposure and making it a home to renowned international sports events. We strongly support sports tourism in the UAE, and we aim to be a co-host again for this event,” says Samir Tabbah, CEO Desert Adventures.