Sky is the limit for UAE’s Manchester City fans

On a trip to the capital, Man City midfielder Samir Nasri said he was pleasantly overwhelmed by the level of support.

The UAE’s Manchester City fans are taking full advantage of Etihad’s service to fly and watch their team play. Christopher Pike / The National

ABU DHABI // Tens of thousands of Manchester City supporters have taken advantage of an initiative between the club and Etihad Airways.

Thirty thousand fans of the club have signed up for the Sky Blue UAE membership programme since its launch in 2011.

The programme allows members to make use of flight deals to Manchester, with more than 5,000 so far making the journey.

“Sky Blue membership in the UAE aims to connect fans in the UAE directly with the club – and we are delighted with the results,” said Olivier Turkel, head of commercial Mena at Manchester City FC.

“They are all very much part of the City family now and the FanZone events we have organised in Abu Dhabi have shown us just how much the club means to them.

“In addition we have had many fans coming to Manchester from Abu Dhabi as well as all corners of the world, which is very special and those bonds just keep getting stronger.”

It is a bond that has not weakened, despite the distance between the fans and their team.

“It was pretty overwhelming to have so many fans coming to see us when we have been in Abu Dhabi and, personally for me, it was a very special trip,” said midfielder Samir Nasri.

“On one evening I went to a sports shop to meet supporters and they were so passionate and loyal – that is just something I was not expecting so many miles away from Manchester.”

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, added: “Among the many successes of the partnership between Etihad Airways and Manchester City FC, the Sky Blue story is one that is close to all our hearts.

“Sky Blue is a unique programme for Etihad Airways and Manchester City as it is focused on the club’s fans in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. The way it has grown in popularity is testament to how much the fans have embraced this membership programme, which is fantastic to see.

“It’s also been great to see so many fans taking up the chance to fly with Etihad Airways to watch the team play in Manchester. We continue to explore new opportunities to make Sky Blue even more attractive to even more fans of MCFC.”

Members of Sky Blue also have access to events including match screenings at Zayed Sport City.