Abu Dhabi agencies expect to "ramp up their engagement in sporting activities this year as they tap into diverse revenue streams," according to Sananda Sahoo of THE NATIONAL. Abu Dhabi Sports Council Technical Affairs Department Dir Talal Mostafa Al Hashemi said that the ability to build legacy infrastructure as well as an Emirati workforce "makes big sports events an important player in the economy." The council is "also adding sports events in the capital." Al Hashemi said, "We will work with Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority this year on our agenda to promote Abu Dhabi abroad." Despite the fall in oil prices and slowdown in the global economy, Al Hashemi "expects sports sponsorships to remain at the same level this year." Some sponsors "would like to sit back this year and evaluate their sponsorship deals." Etihad Sponsorships VP Patrick Pierce said, "We need to make sure that we pause a bit in 2016 and also be mindful of the macroeconomic factors that impact the travel industry. We need to make sure we take a step up, evaluate our diverse portfolio [of sponsorships], making sure we are maximizing all the value that goes with the various partnerships, before we step forward and expand into our relationships" (THE NATIONAL, 1/19).
