FIFA World Cup Trophy arrives in UAE

Abu Dhabi: The FIFA World Cup Trophy has landed in Abu Dhabi in the vibrantly decorated FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour plane. Arriving in quite a majestic fashion, this Coca-Cola plane, housing the iconic trophy touched down at the Royal Jet Terminal in Abu Dhabi International Airport, where it received a passionate welcome. A private ceremony was organised at the Royal Jet Terminal hosted by the Coca-Cola delegation in coordination with FIFA representatives. In attendance were a number of VVIPS such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President of Al Jazira Club and Chairman of the Board of Al Jazira Football Company, Yousuf Yaqoub Al Serkal, UAE Football Association President, Talal Al Hashimi, Representative of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and others. Guests also included esteemed government officials and members of the press. The event served as an exclusive private preview of the unveiling of the FIFA World Cup Trophy, prior to its public reveal in Malaib, Corniche Road on Monday 16th December. Brought to the UAE by Coca-Cola, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour will give over 7000 lucky fans an exhilarating opportunity to truly animate the spirit of football. The fan experience at the one-day FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour 'Fan Zone' on 16th December will open its doors at 10am. Fans will be able to participate in a series of interactive activities before going through to see the trophy. A larger than life 'Brazuca' football, the official match ball of the 2014 FIFA World Cup , will be made readily available for fans to rejoice in the Adidas area, making for a truly authentic experience. Fans will also be able to play the ultimate football game on SONY Play Station consoles whilst listening to great music from Coke Studio and of course, the Anthem. As an advocate of a healthy and active lifestyle, Coca - Cola will give fans the opportunity to test their football skills in a 'shoot and score' challenge. The FIFA World Cup mascot, Fuleco will make a special appearance, fuelling the excitement for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Before being ushered into the room where the trophy will be unveiled, fans will be shown an inspirational short movie using hologram technology. Finally, they will be exposed to the pure gold trophy, weighing in at just over six kilograms of 18 carat gold and standing at 14.4 inches tall, being proudly displayed. Thousands of enthusiasts will revel in the dramatic unveiling of the authentic trophy which has only been held by an exclusive line of football heroes and heads of state from across the globe. Their joy will be documented, as each fan will have the opportunity to have their pictures taken with the trophy as a memoir of this milestone event. The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, which was launched in Brazil on September 12th 2013, spans 90 countries, taking the trophy over 92,000 miles. After its stay in the UAE, the trophy will move onto the Pacific Islands, Central America, the Caribbean, and will finish its tour in April in Brazil, ahead of the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament. – Emirates News Agency, WAM