Emirates and World Rugby Extend Partnership Through 2035
Emirates and World Rugby have renewed their partnership for another decade, making Emirates the Platinum Partner and Principal Partner of World Rugby through 2035. The renewal continues one of rugby’s longest-running commercial alliances.
Under the agreement, Emirates becomes the first organization in World Rugby’s history to hold the Platinum Partner title. The airline will continue as Principal Partner of the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 in Australia, as well as the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2033 in the United States. Emirates will also remain Principal Partner of the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035 and the qualifying rounds for all Rugby World Cup tournaments.
The partnership includes pitch-side branding at all Rugby World Cup events and visibility across World Rugby’s digital platforms. Emirates will also feature in press and promotional materials and engage fans globally through digital activations.
Match officials at Rugby World Cup tournaments and international fixtures will continue to be named “Emirates World Rugby Match Officials” and wear the airline’s ‘fly better’ kit. Emirates branding will also appear in Television Match Official (TMO) booths during Rugby World Cup tournaments.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airlines, said the renewed agreement reflects shared values built over the years and supports rugby’s continued growth across global markets. He added that Emirates aims to help bring fans together by connecting them to major tournaments worldwide.
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said the extended partnership acknowledges Emirates’ long-term involvement in developing and promoting the sport. He noted that the collaboration will continue to support match officials, events and efforts to grow rugby’s reach.
The partnership will also expand collaborative community and grassroots programmes across key markets within the Emirates network.
Longstanding Engagement with Rugby
Emirates’ involvement with rugby began in 1987 with the Emirates Dubai Sevens. The airline was the official airline sponsor of the Rugby World Cup 2007 before becoming a global partner for the Rugby World Cup tournaments in 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Emirates was also the first brand featured on match officials’ kits at international matches.
By extending its support for the successive two Women’s Rugby World Cups, Emirates reinforces its commitment to women’s sports and the long-term development of the women’s game.
Global Rugby Partnerships
Emirates is also Premier Partner and Official Airline Partner of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), supporting the Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. Its rugby portfolio includes partnerships with Asia Rugby and the UAE Rugby Federation, supporting the sport’s reach in developing markets. Emirates is also the title sponsor of the Emirates Dubai Sevens and the Cape Town Sevens.
The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, owned and operated by the airline, hosts international tournaments and community programmes. By supporting the Dubai Hurricanes rugby club, the airline also contributes to grassroots development in the local community.
Wider Sponsorship Portfolio
Emirates maintains a broad range of global sports and cultural sponsorships. The airline’s branding appears on the jerseys of Arsenal FC, Real Madrid CF, AC Milan, S.L. Benfica and Olympique Lyonnais, and it is a Platinum Partner of FC Bayern Munich. Emirates is also the Title Partner of The FA Cup. In the UAE, it supports the Pro League and features on Al Ain FC’s training kit for the 2025/2026 season.
Beyond football, Emirates partners with significant events and organisations across horse racing, tennis, golf, cricket, sailing, basketball, cycling and Australian rules football, connecting fans through shared sporting moments across regions.
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