doha • Etihad Airways has announced that it would be a lead sponsor for next January’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship (ADGC), reaffirming the UAE national airline’s commitment to bringing the world’s top sports stars to the region.

As the official airline for the 2007 ADGC, Etihad will be involved in a series of promotional activities surrounding the tournament as well as flying the players, officials and their equipment to the UAE.

The Abu Dhabi championship, taking place between January 18 and 21, is set to attract many of the world’s top players including last year’s winner Chris DiMarco and Spaniard Sergio Garcia.

“Etihad is very proud to once be bringing again the ADGC to the people of the UAE and the region as a whole,” said Ian Ferguson-Brown, head of brand management and communications at Etihad Airways.

“One of Etihad’s key missions is to bring the world closer together, and through our sponsorship of this prestigious sporting event, we are upholding that pledge to our Guests and golf fans across the Gulf.”

As part of its involvement in the 2006 ADGC, Etihad arranged the innovative world record drive attempt on the wing of one of its aircraft at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Two of the tournament’s top players, Ian Poulter and Paul Casey, took part in the attempt, which was beamed around the world.

Launching golf’s prestigious European Tour for 2007, the ADGC will once again be held at the Abu dhabi Golf Club highlighting the impressive frowth of the UAE as a world-class golfing destination.