Newcastle United have secured another commercial partnership by striking a deal with Saudi Telecom Company (stc). The Middle East company becomes Newcastle's Official Digital Tour Partner, joining national airline carrier SAUDIA in becoming an Official Tour Partner for the Magpies' warm-weather training camp in Riyadh this week.
Stc operates in some of the biggest markets in the Middle East, offering digital services in IT, financial technology, digital media and cybersecurity. The company will have a digital presence at the Al-Hilal friendly match on Thursday afternoon and will continue to have a presence at St James’ Park in 2023.
Commenting on the deal, Newcastle 's Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone said : "Our ambition is to grow our supporter base in Saudi Arabia; a country whose young population includes a large, passionate and highly engaged football community. We are delighted to welcome stc to our growing family of partners and have them on board as our second strategic partner for the club's visit to Saudi Arabia this December.
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"stc digitally connects millions of individuals and businesses throughout the Middle East and their market knowledge, expertise and experience in sport partnerships will complement our drive to reach and engage with more people across one of our key markets. We look forward to working closely with stc."
The deal is the third struck by Newcastle in recent weeks, with the SAUDIA deal confirmed in November just days after Monster energy drink also became a partner. The expectation is more Saudi-linked businesses will enter into deals with the Tyneside outfit following Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund's purchase of the club little over one year ago.
Eddie Howe's side are currently in the Saudi capital enjoying a winter break while the 2022 FIFA World Cup plays out. The Magpies were greeted with a hero's welcome upon arrival in the country over the weekend and have been hard at work on the training pitch so far this week.
Our Chief Newcastle United writer Lee Ryder is currently in Riyadh and will be bringing you detailed insight from the warm weather camp throughout the week.
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