Qatar Airways announced a partnership of three seasons with the Kingdom’s Al-Ahli Football Club as its official sponsor.

At a press conference Sunday, and in the presence of Prince Fahd bin Khaled bin Abdullah, chairman of Al-Ahli Football Club, and Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdullah, honorary member of the Al-Ahli Football Club, Akbar Al-Baker, group chief executive of Qatar Airways, announced the partnership and the reasons behind the collaboration.

Prince Fahd said: “Al Ahli Football Club is renowned for its pioneering role in the promotion of the sport in Saudi Arabia. Our partnership with Qatar Airways will support us in our continued journey to be the best in the Kingdom and beyond.”

Prince Faisal said: “Since 1937, the club has not only launched the careers of many notable footballers, but has also brought people closer together to enjoy this beautiful game.”

Al-Baker said: “Since its inception 77 years ago, the Al-Ahli Football Club has represented a key pillar in the Saudi community. Like Qatar, the Kingdom has a long heritage of sporting excellence, and we are pleased to be supporting our neighbors as they use sport to strengthen their communities with the positive foundation that sport provides.”

He added: “Qatar Airways has long developed strong ties with Saudi Arabia, operating flights to seven key destinations across the Kingdom, not to mention the exciting advent in the New Year of the launch of our brand new Saudi-based airline, Al Maha Airways.”

Qatar Airways currently operates 86 flights per week to seven destinations across the Kingdom, including Madinah, Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Taif and Hofuf.

Al Maha Airways will initially use a fleet of A320-200 aircraft for operations between Riyadh and Jeddah.