Spanish football giants Real Madrid and Visit Dubai, the official tourism agency of Dubai, have announced a multi-year “landmark global partnership”, promising a range of “exciting activations, special fan moments and unique experiences for both Dubai and Real Madrid fans.

According to a press release issued by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism last week, the newly formed alliance will serve as a “powerhouse platform” to create new growth opportunities for both institutions and support Dubai’s ambitious plans as part of its recently announced Dubai Economic Agenda — D33.

“Being at the forefront of global sports entertainment with the world’s greatest club aligns perfectly with Dubai’s ambitious plans to consolidate its position among the top three global cities,” the press release said.

The collaboration encompasses both Real Madrid’s first men’s and women’s football teams and promises to bring a taste of Dubai to Santiago Bernabeu.

The partnership was formalised between Real Madrid President Florentino Perez, and the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Issam Kazim, at Sala de Juntas in Ciudad Real Madrid.

Jose Angel Sanchez, Chief Executive Officer of the club, and Real Madrid legend and Director of Institutional Relations Emilio Butragueno were present in the meeting.

“We are very proud of this new partnership with Visit Dubai as the club’s first official destination partner. Dubai is a destination that strives for excellence in all its entertainment offerings, which is a value shared by the club. We are delighted to bring this exciting tourist destination to our millions of Madridistas around the world,” the press release quoted Butragueno as saying.

According to the press release, Kazim stated: “We are excited to begin our journey with Real Madrid as a global partner. This game changing collaboration between Dubai and the greatest club in the world is built upon a shared vision and values, where every achievement serves as motivation to pursue new heights.”

“With our aim to consolidate Dubai’s position among the top three global cities, this strategic alliance will harness the strengths of a leading destination and the world’s most celebrated team, to reaffirm Dubai globally as the best city to visit, live, and work in,” he said.

The press release stated that Dubai’s strong public and private sector relations are at the heart of its success.

“This new collaboration with Real Madrid further builds on a longstanding partnership that Emirates has cemented since 2011,” it said.

It added that the collaboration is perfectly timed for the upcoming Real Madrid-themed park, at Dubai Parks and Resorts, which will further expand the city’s diverse destination proposition.

“The park, which will be the world’s first Real Madrid themed-park, will feature a number of Real Madrid-related attractions, such as a museum, amusement rides and football skill games, as well as food and beverage outlets, and retail spaces selling official Real Madrid products,” it said.

“Driven by our mutual dedication to excellence, leadership, talent, and innovation, we look forward to enjoy great success together, and showcasing Dubai and Real Madrid’s winning spirit to the world,” Kazim added.