A strategic partnership has been announced as Qatar 2015 ramps up its preparations to host the first international handball championship tournament which runs from January 15 until February 1, 2015.

Qatar Airways has been named the Official Airline Sponsor for the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship tournament to be held in Doha.

As the Official Airline Sponsor, Qatar Airways will play a key role for the Championship, as international teams and sports fans will travel to Doha for what will be a hugely popular event, with 24 participating countries qualified for the tournament including the host nation of Qatar.

The contract of mutual agreement was signed by Qatar Airways Senior Vice-President Commercial – Qatar, Mr. Ehab Amin and Dr. Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Director General of the Qatar 2015 Organising Committee (MWHCOC), at a press conference held in Doha today.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Mr. Ehab Amin, Qatar Airways Senior Vice-President Commercial – Qatar said: “We are very proud to be working with the Organising Committee of the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship and look forward to playing our part in enabling Qatar to successfully host this major international championship. Qatar Airways has a strong history of association with large-scale sporting events locally and globally, and we firmly believe in their power to enrich communities and bring sports fans together from around the world.”

Dr. Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Director General of the Qatar 2015 Organizing Committee, said: “Partnering with Qatar’s national carrier for the upcoming tournament speaks volumes about the commitment to enrich the overall experience for both players and spectators of the Championship. We under the leadership of H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Organizing Committee, would like to thank Qatar Airways for its support and will continue to strive to work with Qatar’s leading companies to provide a unique experience for all.”

Qatar Airways, the State of Qatar’s national airline, has seen rapid growth in just 17 years of operation, to the point where today it is flying a modern fleet of 137 aircraft to 144 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.