Business & Money | Wednesday 2 September, 2015 6:12 am |

Saudi Arabian football legend Majed Abdullah is the latest international sports star to endorse leading Dubai-based property developer, The First Group.

The much-loved former striker for Saudi Arabia and Riyadh’s Al Nassr FC, who was affectionately known as the ‘Arabian Jewel’ during his playing days, has been named The First Group’s ambassador for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 

Abdullah, who was hailed Asia’s ‘player of the century’, represented his country on 116 occasions and scored 533 goals during his long career spanning the 1980s and 1990s.

Also known as the ‘Desert Pelé’, he was the Saudi Premier League’s top scorer for six years; was awarded the coveted ‘Asian Footballer of the Year’ title for three consecutive years, from 1984 to 1986; and won the prestigious AFC Asian Cup twice with the Saudi national team in 1984 and 1988.

“Majed is one of the region’s true sporting heroes and is highly revered by fans, not only in Saudi Arabia, but across the wider Middle East, Asian and African regions,” said The First Group Joint Chairman Danny Lubert.

“It is a real privilege and honour to have Majed join The First Group team, acting as our brand ambassador in KSA and MENA, where his high profile will help spread our message to potential investors in these markets.”

Abdullah, who was officially revealed as The First Group’s ambassador on 25 August, has invested in one of the developer’s most iconic projects, TFG Marina Hotel. Wyndham Hotel Group, which is the world’s largest hotel management firm, will operate the property as Wyndham Dubai Marina.

The 32-floor landmark hotel, located in the heart of the dynamic Dubai Marina district, will feature 497 rooms and be furnished and fitted to the highest standards.

By becoming an ambassador for The First Group, Abdullah is in good company, joining the property development firm’s elite team of sporting celebrities who represent the organisation in key global markets.

They include fellow football legends Michael Owen of England, Liverpool and Real Madrid fame, retired Nigerian striker Nwankwo Kanu (‘Kanu’) and Ukrainian international football icon turned politician, Andriy Shevchenko, as well as Russian tennis star Svetlana Kuznetsova and famed South African rugby international Bryan Habana. 

Abdullah said it was a privilege to be part of a prestigious team of brand ambassadors.

“I am honoured to be held in such high esteem by one of the region’s most professional and dynamic property developers and look forward to promoting The First Group in the Middle East and North Africa.”