Anticipation is already sky-high for this year's Rugby World Cup in France — and now Emirates is aiming to bring a legion of new fans to the sport.
The Dubai airline has unveiled new themed livery on one of its flagship A380 aircraft as the countdown to the big kick-off in September gathers pace.
The freshly painted craft — which departed Dubai for Istanbul on Wednesday morning — was emblazoned with a picture of a rugby player in full flight, along with the words “Rugby World Cup France 2023".
Emirates has been a tournament sponsor of the global rugby union event since 2007.
In 2019, Emirates decked out another one of its superjumbo Airbus A380s with a striking design to commemorate the tournament in Japan.
The airline is a long-time sponsor of the Emirates Dubai 7s, an annual showcase of the sport from grass-roots level to the international stage.
Emirates is lined up to be the official airline of this year's extravaganza and the event in Australia in 2027.
Its planes are regularly decked out in dazzling designs to promote a wide variety of sporting events and other special occasions, such as the UAE’s 50th anniversary and the country's space mission.
The 10th Rugby World Cup will run from September 8 until October 28, with South Africa aiming to defend their crown.
Twenty nations will take part, with the showpiece final being held in the 80,000-capacity Stade de France.
Spectacular airline liveries — in pictures
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
Fixtures
50-over match
UAE v Lancashire, starts at 10am
Champion County match
MCC v Surrey, four-day match, starting on Sunday, March 24, play starts at 10am
Both matches are at ICC Academy, Dubai Sports City. Admission is free.
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh1,470,000 (est)
Engine 6.9-litre twin-turbo W12
Gearbox eight-speed automatic
Power 626bhp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 900Nm @ 1,350rpm
Fuel economy, combined 14.0L / 100km
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
