ABU DHABI, July 16th, 2009: Manchester City will use the Emirates Palace facilities during the international breaks of the English Premier League, according to an agreement signed today with Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmark.

The agreement was signed by Manchester City Football Club CEO Garry Cook during a visit to Abu Dhabi today.

With an international standard football pitch currently in development within the grounds of this impressive luxury hotel, Emirates Palace will become the official Training Headquarters of Manchester City Football Club in Abu Dhabi. The football pitch is scheduled for completion in late October.

“We are proud to claim Emirates Palace – this first class facility and one of the most extraordinary hotels ever built – as our official winter training headquarters,” said Manchester City Football Club CEO Garry Cook in a press release.

“Our partnership with Manchester City fits with the hotel’s mission to offer our clients exclusive and unique experiences – in this case Manchester City Football Club,” Emirates Palace General Manager Hans Olbertz said. “We are delighted to be the hosts of this now globally relevant club at key times throughout their training schedule.” Manchester City Football Club also signed an agreement today with the United Arab Emirates Football Association, confirming a fixture on the evening of Thursday, November 12, 2009 between the City squad and the UAE National side to be played at Zayed Stadium.

Today’s visit by Garry Cook is part of a one-day Abu Dhabi stopover for the local launch of the new 2009/10 kit. Newly-signed Manchester City Football Club stars Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry and Roque Santa Cruz personally delivered the new kit to Abu Dhabi along with Club manager, Mark Hughes, Steven Ireland, City’s Player of the Year and Academy graduate, and former England international and all-time City great Mike Summerbee.