Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has announced an ambitious five-season global partnership with SailGP, solidifying its role as the exclusive global airline partner of the world’s most thrilling sailing league.
This groundbreaking alliance underscores Emirates’ commitment to elevating the sport of sailing, introducing innovations, and engaging fans worldwide. It will also enhance the airline’s global visibility through a strengthened brand presence across SailGP’s Emmy Award-winning broadcasts and events.
As part of the agreement, Emirates will continue its title sponsorship of two marquee events: the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix and the Emirates Great Britain SailGP. These events will remain key fixtures in the SailGP calendar, showcasing the airline’s dedication to supporting premier sports events globally. New broadcast features, including the “Emirates Finish” and “Emirates Fly Time,” will enrich the viewing experience for SailGP’s global audience.
Emirates has also become SailGP’s official umpire partner, collaborating with the league to enhance officiating standards and deliver innovative insights to fans across over 212 broadcast territories. This partnership promises to bring viewers closer to the action, reinforcing SailGP’s reputation for blending technology with high-performance sports.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, emphasised the synergy between the two brands and said, “Our expanded relationship with SailGP is based on a shared commitment to bring the growing sport of sailing to a broader global audience on and off the waters. SailGP is emerging as a pioneering force in the sport, focusing on establishing connections with a new legion of loyal SailGP fans through impactful experiences. Emirates and SailGP also have a common vision and brand promise – to ‘sport better’ and ‘fly better,’ driven by excellence and innovation. We’re also a proud Title Partner of the events in Dubai and Portsmouth – kickstarting the competition in our home city and bringing sailing back to the UK in 2025 to become a permanent fixture on SailGP’s vibrant global calendar. We look forward to seeing sporting talent display their strength, passion, and technique at the highest level over the coming seasons.”
Sir Russell Coutts, CEO SailGP, added, “We’re delighted to welcome Emirates on board as SailGP’s Official Airline Partner, strengthening an enduring relationship with the world-class carrier heading into our most exciting season to date. Emirates has a long-standing association with some of the world’s most-loved sporting clubs, tournaments, and events, and we are enormously proud to join the Emirates family. Emirates will be a key partner in helping SailGP reach new audiences through a shared passion for sporting excellence and a commitment to innovation.”
In addition to the global partnership, Emirates will continue its sponsorship of the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, one of the league’s most successful teams. The airline’s iconic “Fly Better” logo will be prominently displayed on the team’s F50 catamaran, apparel, and equipment, reinforcing its strong connection to the sport.
The partnership extends beyond the racecourse, with Emirates and SailGP collaborating on community programs aligned with SailGP’s local impact strategy. Details of these initiatives will be revealed in the coming months. Additionally, Emirates will host guests in the premium Adrenaline Lounge, enhancing its reputation for delivering world-class hospitality.
Based in Dubai, Emirates is known for its vast network of flights to over 150 destinations worldwide and its commitment to delivering luxury and excellence. The airline’s long-standing support underscores its expertise in sports sponsorship, solidifying the DP World Tour as a major fixture in the airline’s extensive portfolio, which includes partnerships with other global sporting giants such as the DP World Tour, the Wimbledon, the US Open, the Australian Open, the French Open, ICC, the FA, the NBA and many more.
SailGP’s 2025 season kicks off on November 23-24 in Dubai, where the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas will take centre stage. This event, held on the pristine waters of Mina Rashid, promises to be a highlight of the regional sporting calendar.