Business & Money | Wednesday 19 October, 2016 4:30 pm |

FLASH Entertainment, the region's premier live events company with a proven track record of delivering world-class unmissable events, will partner with the Sport Industry Series throughout 2016 and 2017 for the first time. It will also be an integral part of the Sport Industry Forum's Abu Dhabi Working Committee.

The Sport Industry Series, organized by INTERACT Events consists of a variety of business events targeted to sport business professionals. The series helps business professionals to learn from each other, to drive new initiatives and shape the industry.

The partnership reinforces FLASH's commitment to enriching the economic and community fabric by furthering the sporting events industry in the UAE.

FLASH brings its robust experience in the sporting industry to the partnership and will offer key insights on trends and best practices. In the eight years that FLASH has operated in the region, the company possesses a vast knowledge of the sporting landscape and also of the people that consume sports. It is this valuable insight that FLASH will be bring to the table for the upcoming Sport Industry Forum events.

"World-class sporting events have always been a focus for our business. The Sports Industry Forum partnership signifies FLASH Entertainment's commitment in driving new initiatives that will help shape the industry," said John Lickrish, Chief Executive Officer, FLASH Entertainment.

"FIFA Club World Cup Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, NBA JamFest Abu Dhabi, UFC 112, UFC Fight Night and the Mubadala World Tennis Championship are successful sporting events that not only attract international athletes to the region but also deliver grass-root programs that leave a lasting legacy. This positive impact on local communities furthers the socio-economic development of the United Arab Emirates," he added.

H.E. Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, will open this year's 4th edition of the Sports Industry Forum and will welcome discussions around innovation in sport and the opportunities in the ever-changing digital landscape.

"We are delighted to have FLASH as Official Partner to the UAE Sports Industry Forum series over the next year," commented Sally Corander, MD, INTERACT Events. "Flash bring a wealth of knowledge from the sports sector and we are looking forward to working with them to advance sports in the region."

FLASH's portfolio of sporting events have included:

• Mubdala World Tennis Championship (2009-2016)
• Wakestock Abu Dhabi (2010)
• FIFA Club World Cup (2010)
• NBA JamFest Abu Dhabi (2010)
• UFC 112 Invincible (2011)
• FIFA U-17 (2013)
• UFC Fight Night (2014)
• Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (2013-2016)
• WWE in Saudi Arabia (2014-2015)

In its eight years, FLASH has hosted 260 major events and has garnered 33 industry awards.

FLASH Entertainment's dedication to excellence stems from a pool of 60 qualified and experienced staff, supplemented by a strong supply chain focused on value delivery and cost efficiencies.

Mubadala World Tennis Championship is the next sporting event on the FLASH calendar. It runs from 29 - 31 December. Tickets are available at http://www.ticketmaster.ae and all Virgin Megastores in the UAE.