Earlier this year, Real Madrid and Visit Dubai signed a landmark global partnership agreement, marking the start of an exciting collaboration between one of the world’s most successful football clubs and the vibrant city of Dubai.

• This partnership represents a fusion of excellence and innovation, aligning with Dubai’s ambitious Dubai-D33 Economic Agenda.
• This promises to deliver unique, world-class experiences for football fans and visitors alike.
• The partnership is set to redefine the fan experience, blending Real Madrid’s legacy with Dubai’s allure.
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The Sandton Times was invited to Madrid for an exclusive briefing on the partnership, offering international media a deeper look into the strategic collaboration. As part of the experience, media members were treated to a tour of the city of Madrid and the legendary Santiago Bernabéu stadium. For Real Madrid and Dubai, the focus is on creating lasting memories, and fans of both the football club and the city are poised to benefit from this exciting venture.

As a new season of football kicks off, the collaboration will see Visit Dubai bringing the essence of Dubai to Real Madrid’s iconic Santiago Bernabéu stadium, offering fans unique experiences tied to the city. The partnership goes beyond football, creating opportunities for fans to indulge in top-tier services that reflect both Real Madrid’s commitment to excellence and Dubai’s reputation for luxury.

This partnership comes at a time when the Santiago Bernabéu completes its significant transformation to become a multi-purpose venue, capable of hosting concerts, American football games, and basketball matches, in addition to football. With cutting-edge features like a retractable pitch system, the stadium is evolving into a global destination for entertainment, much like Dubai itself.

The highlight of the partnership is undoubtedly the launch of Real Madrid World, a state-of-the-art themed park located within Dubai Parks and Resorts—the largest theme park destination in the Middle East. Opened in April 2024, Real Madrid World is the first park globally to be themed around Real Madrid, offering fans a fully immersive experience dedicated to their favourite club.

The park boasts over 40 Real Madrid-themed experiences, including the Hala Madrid Coaster, the region’s first wooden roller coaster, and the Stars Flyer, the world’s tallest amusement ride at 460 feet. Visitors can explore three uniquely designed zones—Champions Avenue, Celebration Plaza, and Stars Avenue – each showcasing Real Madrid’s rich history, victories, and star players. From football skill games to interactive museums, Real Madrid World allows fans to connect with their football heroes like never before.

This collaboration between Real Madrid and Dubai Parks and Resorts reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for tourism and entertainment. It’s the first time a football club of Real Madrid’s stature has partnered with a theme park destination, and we couldn’t be prouder.

// CEO of Dubai Holding Entertainment, Fernando Eiroa

As a side note, there’s certainly nothing more frustrating or irritating when traveling than having to deal with roaming costs or spending half a day trying to buy a local SIM card – filling out pages and pages of contracts for only a few days connectivity. During this trip, we put the eSIM from Holafly to the test. Founded in Spain, Holafly has a range of international eSIM plans that you can purchase online and activate upon arrival, by scanning a QR code and following a few easy steps. The service offers unlimited data only, with the options of connecting other devices via tethering. If you would like to give it a try, follow the link and get a 5% discount on a Holafly eSIM for your next trip – it’s a game changer for digital nomads and anyone traveling internationally.

Real Madrid World promises something for every fan, from young football enthusiasts to seasoned supporters. Attractions like the White Hearts exhibition celebrate the club’s past, present, and future, while The Bernabéu Experience gives fans the chance to step inside the players’ locker rooms, walk on the pitch, and admire the sanctuary of the European Cups. Other highlights include The Wave – La Ola, a family-friendly roller coaster, and The Factory Of Dreams, a virtual simulator where fans can relive Real Madrid’s most iconic moments.

The park offers more than just thrilling rides; dining options like the Hala Madrid Restaurant feature Spanish cuisine, and numerous food carts and vendors are spread throughout. Fans can also shop for official Real Madrid merchandise, including personalized club shirts and unique collectibles.

During our visit to Madrid, we were fortunate to witness Real Madrid take on Cádiz on matchday 34 of LaLiga at the Santiago Bernabéu. With a star-studded line-up that included Courtois, Bellingham, Vini Jr., and Modrić, the team showcased their dominance, clinching a 3-0 victory. Goals from Brahim, Bellingham, and Joselu secured the win, and Real Madrid later celebrated their 36th LaLiga title after rivals Barcelona failed to secure a victory.

This triumph, along with the partnership with Dubai, further solidifies Real Madrid’s position as one of the most successful and forward-thinking clubs in the world. The collaboration not only enhances the club’s global presence but also introduces fans to a new world of football-infused entertainment in Dubai.

The partnership with Visit Dubai and the opening of Real Madrid World underscore Dubai’s ambitions to become a global destination for football fans. With this new alliance, Dubai is positioning itself as a premier hub for football-themed tourism, combining the thrill of the sport with the luxury and innovation for which the city is known.

Whether through a match at the revamped Santiago Bernabéu or a visit to Real Madrid World, fans are guaranteed unforgettable experiences that celebrate the passion and legacy of Real Madrid. For those eager to explore Real Madrid World in Dubai, the park is open from Sunday to Thursday from 12pm to 9pm and on Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 10pm. Tickets start from AED 295 [Approx. R1434].

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