Abu Dhabi, June 27, 2017: An important milestone on the road to the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 took place at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi today as the Official Mascot of the tournament was announced.
A gazelle nicknamed ‘Dhabi’ made his first public appearance since 2010 in front of hundreds of fans, including young football fanatics from the city’s top football schools.
Crowd favourite Dhabi, the UAE’s FIFA Club World Cup Mascot in 2009 and 2010, returns to take part in the third edition of the tournament in the country, set to take place in Abu Dhabi from 6 to 16 December.
The Mascot’s name, meaning ‘gazelle’, was inspired by the UAE capital, which literally translates to ‘Father of Gazelle’. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi has a reputation as a haven for the indigenous Arabian gazelle, which has inhabited its islands for decades.
Dhabi is a young and highly-energetic character, and will meet and engage with thousands of fans around the nation, sharing his passion for football and encouraging children to get active through UAE’s most popular sport.
In the build-up to the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017, Dhabi will visit schools, malls, hospitals, football clubs and more as celebrations for the tournament gather apace.
Two mobile roadshows – Excitement and Experience – will be touring the whole of the UAE in 200 days and will feature a variety of different interactive zones. Over 200,000 people are expected to take part between now and the end of the tournament on 16 December.
The mobile roadshow Excitement – will also be located in Yas Mall, from 27 June to 1 July, giving visitors the chance to show off their football skills across different adrenaline-pumping challenges.
The four-day activation will give participants the chance to challenge their friends and rank themselves against the rest of the UAE from 12 noon to 22:00 daily.
“Children love mascots and through Dhabi we hope to connect with UAE’s younger generation in the lead up to the December tournament.
The Official Mascot will go on tour with the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 Mobile Roadshows to over 75 locations, inspiring children to get involved and participate in the pre-event football festivities,” said His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, Tournament Director of the LOC.
“Dhabi is a potent symbol of Abu Dhabi’s history and heritage – just as the beautiful game is also.”
Football fans can now buy tickets to the pinnacle of club football – the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 – via FIFA.com/UAE2017.
Seven club champions will come together to claim the ultimate title as millions around the world tune in to watch.
Real Madrid C.F., Auckland City FC, C.F. Pachuca and four other champions will come together to compete in eight title-deciding matches in the Zayed Sports City and Hazza Bin Zayed stadia.
Make sure to follow the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 on Facebook, and to use the official hashtag #ClubWC in your social media posts. —- FIFA
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