DP World celebrates Al Nasr President Cup triumph

The clubs Al Maktoum Stadium opened in 1978 with a match between Al Nasr and Liverpool.

It was the first time a top-class European team had played here in Dubai.

Officials of DP World and Al Nasr celebrate the club’s victory in the President’s Cup

Dubai: Al Nasr attended a victory celebration at DP World’s Mina Rashid Port base as the Blue Wave’s strategic partner congratulated the first-team squad for winning the President’s Cup.

DP World chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem congratulated Ahmed Khouri, Vice President of Al Nasr Football Company and Al Nasr Sports Club, and other members of the board of directors who were in attendance for the ceremony at the Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal.

This event was also attended by top DP World executives, including: Iqbal Khoori (Senior Vice President, Global Procurement), Mohammed Al Muallem (Senior Vice President and Managing Director of UAE Region) and Mohammed Ali Ahmed (Chief Operations Officer of UAE Region).

“I’m delighted to welcome the winning team to Mina Rashid and, as strategic partner, we are proud of Al Nasr’s victory,” said bin Sulayem.

“This year, DP World UAE Region extended its support to Al Nasr Football Club during the GCC Club Cup following its sponsorship of the Blue Wave during the 2013-2014 Arabian Gulf League season when the players displayed company colours on their shirts.”

Khouri added: “We’re very pleased to share this victory with our strategic partner in DP World.

“Our relationship with them reflects the belief and commitment in sport of a national company with global reach – representing Dubai and the UAE across the world.

“We’re proud to be associated with one of the business giants of our country, who have been supporting us in our ongoing pursuit of excellence as we further develop the capabilities of Al Nasr, its team and football in the UAE.”

Founded in 1945 and chaired by His Highness Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Finance Minister and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Al Nasr – which means victory in Arabic – has an outstanding track record, having won all three of the biggest national tournaments – the Arabian Gulf League (1978, 1979 and 1986), the President’s Cup (1985, 1986, 1989 and 2015) and the (now-defunct) UAE Federation Cup (1988, 2000 & 2002) – on at least three occasions, as well as wearing national colours at international tournaments.

The club has also participated in the Asian Champions League (ACL) and the (discontinued) Asian Cup Winners’ Cup.

The club’s Al Maktoum Stadium opened in 1978 with a match between Al Nasr and Liverpool. It was the first time a top-class European team had played here in Dubai.

• Local Sports