Ad-Panel
Join GLO today for largest global network of loyalty & CX professionals and latest loyalty research & analysis.
Home » Articles » Qatar Airways and Football Legend Rio Ferdinand Introduce ‘Qatar Airways United’ Youth Empowerment Initiative

Qatar Airways and Football Legend Rio Ferdinand Introduce ‘Qatar Airways United’ Youth Empowerment Initiative

by GLO
0 comments

Facilitated by Qatar Airways, Ferdinand will invite young people from the hosting cities to experience these world-class sporting competitions and build a sense of belonging.

Qatar Airways

(Image Source)

Qatar Airways

26 November, 2025 – Qatar Airways has launched ‘Qatar Airways United’, a social development initiative created in partnership with internationally acclaimed football legend, Rio Ferdinand. The global project connects Ferdinand with Qatar Airways’ world-class sports partners to deliver community-building opportunities that focus on inspiring confidence and ambition in young people.

The initiative kicked off in collaboration with Inter Milan during the Milan Derby at the historic San Siro Stadium on 23 November 2025, where Ferdinand was welcomed by Inter and a local social responsibility entity, Real Eyes Sport. Through the collaboration, Qatar Airways gave children with visual disabilities the opportunity to experience first-hand one of football’s most iconic rivalries at the Milan Derby.

The visit was joined by Inter’s Vice President Javier Zanetti, an advocate for developing resources for underserved youth, and empowering them through mentorship and exposure to unforgettable sporting moments. While at the game, the children felt the action directly from the pitch, and had the chance to meet Inter players in the storied stadium.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Sport has a unique ability to open doors for young people from every walk of life. We are proud to support programmes like this one, which use the power of sport to create connection, unity and real impact. We believe that every young person, no matter where they come from, has the chance to create and achieve greatness. This program equips the next generation with the skills and tools to enable them to pursue excellence in their chosen paths and we are pleased to be part of it.”

Rio Ferdinand said: “Sport has given me a passport to travel the world, see new cultures, and experience countries I never would have otherwise. It shaped who I am. Through Qatar Airways United, I want to help young people build that same confidence and ambition – showing them that sport can open doors, broaden horizons, and create opportunities that last a lifetime.”

In the next Qatar Airways United programme, Ferdinand will be joined by a group of children supported by Education Above All, who will take part in a special experience at the Formula 1® Qatar Airways Grand Prix from 28-30 November 2025. On Friday, the group will enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access to day one of the race weekend, and then on Sunday’s final race day, they will watch from the grandstand.

The initiative includes plans to further leverage the airline’s leading sports portfolio to connect Rio with under-resourced youth at the upcoming events:

  • French Championship Paris Saint Germain vs Marseille match in Paris in February 2026
  • The UEFA Champions League Final in Budapest in May 2026
  • The FIFA World Cup 26™ Final in New York in July 2026.

Facilitated by Qatar Airways, Ferdinand will invite young people from the hosting cities to experience these world-class sporting competitions and build a sense of belonging. The football legend will engage with audiences through motivational stories and experiences that showcase values at the heart of sport. This series will premiere on his official YouTube channel,@rioferdinandpresents, and Qatar Airways YouTube channel, @qatarairways followed by its feature on Qatar Airways’ award-winning Oryx One in-flight entertainment platform to inspire millions of passengers around the world.

Qatar Airways’ portfolio of high-profile global sports partnerships includes the likes of FIFA, UEFA Champions League and National Team Competitions, Formula 1®, Paris-Saint Germain, FC Internazionale Milano, AFC, Tennis Legend – Novak Djokovic, The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), MotoGP, the IRONMAN Triathlon Series, French Rugby Team – Section Paloise, The Brooklyn Nets NBA Team, and multiple other disciplines including Australian football, equestrian, motor racing, padel, squash, and tennis.

Sorce: Qatar Airways

Disclaimer: Press release
© Press Release 2025
Send us your press releases to news@globalloyalty.org
Press releases originate from external third-party providers. This website does not have responsibility or control over its content, which is presented as is, without any alterations. Neither this website nor its affiliates guarantee the accuracy of the views or opinions expressed in the press release.
The press release is intended solely for informational purposes and does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice, nor does it express any opinion regarding the suitability, value, or profitability of specific securities, portfolios, or investment strategies. Neither this website nor its affiliates are liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, nor for any actions taken based on it. By using the information provided in this article, you agree to do so at your own risk.
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers, and licensors shall not be liable to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive, or exemplary damages, including but not limited to lost profits, savings, and revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract, or any other theory of liability, even if the possibility of such damages was known or foreseeable.
The images used in press releases and articles provided by 3rd party sources belong to the respective source provider and are used for illustrative purposes in accordance with the original press releases and publications.
Disclaimer: Content
While we strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date content, Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the correctness accuracy, completeness, adequacy, or reliability of the information or the results derived from its use, not that the content will meet your requirements or expectations. The content is provided “as is” and “as available”. You agree that your use of the content is at your own risk. Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. disclaims all warranties related to the content, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, and title, and is not liable for a particular purpose, non-infringement, and title, and is not liable for any interruptions. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties, so these jurisdictions may not apply to you. Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. Reserves the right to modify, interrupt, or discontinue the content without notice and is not liable for doing so.
Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. shall not be liable for any damages, including special, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages, or damages for lost profits, revenue, or use, arising out of or related to the content, whether in contract, negligence, tort, statute, equity, law, or otherwise, even if advised of such damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on liability for incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation may not apply to you. These disclaimers and limitations apply to Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. and its parent, affiliates, related companies, contractors, sponsors, and their respective directors, officers, members, employees, agents, content providers, licensors, and advisors.
The content and its compilation, created by Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd, are the property of Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. and cannot be reproduced without prior written permission.

Leave a Comment

Global Loyalty Organisation
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.