• Dota 2 giant Team Nigma and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, announce a long-term partnership
• Team Nigma will be the first esports team to be sponsored by a major airline

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, today announced a landmark partnership with World Champion Esports team, Team Nigma, the organisation founded by The International 7 champions.

Team Nigma will be the first esports team ever to be sponsored by a major airline and the Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways will make sure the team and its support staff will arrive, relaxed, refreshed and on time for their packed global schedule. This unique partnership further cements the team’s position as one of the leading esports organisations in the world and provides them the chance to grow within the billion-dollar esports industry.

The announcement follows the news that the team will be relocating to Abu Dhabi, under their partnership with AD Gaming. The collaborative initiative pioneered by twofour54 Abu Dhabi, aggregates the emirate’s drive to build a thriving gaming and esports ecosystem in the region.

Mohamed Morad, Co-Founder of Team Nigma, said: “As a kid I dreamt of becoming a pilot so partnering up with my favourite airline is special on both a personal and a professional level.

“When competing on the highest level, our team and staff constantly need to travel around the world to face the top Dota 2 teams and the immense resources and expertise Etihad Airways will provide us, are going to help our players and staff reach new levels.”

Christoph Timm, Co-Founder of Team Nigma, said: “We are grateful that Etihad Airways committed to a long-term partnership especially during these testing times. Like us, Etihad believes in supporting and developing new upcoming talents from the region and see esports as a major industry for the region.

“The amount of support they have already shown us is admirable. This is just the beginning of our journey together, and we look forward to more unique activations in the future.”

Amina Taher, Vice President Brand, Marketing and Sponsorships at Etihad Airways, said: “The gaming industry is rapidly gaining prominence, and in line with Abu Dhabi’s investment in the industry, Etihad is proud to lead the way and be the first major global airline to partner with an esports team. This is another proof point of our industry leading approach to sports sponsorships.

“Etihad is renowned for partnering with world-class sports teams and events, from Manchester City Football Club to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. We see the value in sports-based sponsorships which unite and engage with communities, and we look forward to what the future holds with Team Nigma.”

Etihad has been recognised for its industry-leading response to Covid over the past year. Through the Etihad Wellness programme, the airline has committed to ensuring the highest wellbeing standards for its guests. Wellness Ambassadors are available throughout all stages of the customer journey to provide wellness guidance and greater peace of mind for both Team Nigma and all guests travelling with Etihad Airways.

About Etihad Airlines

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, founded in 2003.

From its home in Abu Dhabi, the airline operates passenger and cargo flights to destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme, aviation training and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) service.

For more information, visit www.etihad.com