BARCELONA: United Arab Bank has become an official partner of Spanish champions Barcelona in the UAE in a deal that will see a range of Barca-themed products created for local fans.

This is another major financial link for Barcelona in the Gulf on top of the main sponsor connection with Qatar Foundation and Qatar Airways.

The three-year deal means that UAB will become the Catalan club’s exclusive financial partner in the Emirates and the first financial partner Barcelona has secured outside of Spain and Andorra.

Paul Trowbridge, the UAB ceo, said: “The club enjoys tremendous popularity amongst UAE football fans and so the alliance creates a great platform for us to incentivise our clients with a range of FC Barcelona privileges including hospitality match tickets, Barca-themed banking products, official merchandise and more.

“The club’s selection also reiterates our position as one of the major players in the banking sector in the region and this partnership will help them fulfill their aspirations in the emirates.”

Javier Faus, Barcelona’s vice-president for economic and strategy, added: “We have chosen UAB for many reasons. These include its capacity for growth, being the fastest growing bank in the UAE, and the enthusiasm it puts into its projects. Our club and our members share the same passion for football.”

One thousand customers will also feel the benefits of the partnership through exclusive hospitality seats to watch the La Liga champions live through competitions over the three-year deal.

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