The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is embarking on a groundbreaking venture with the launch of the AFA Tower in Dubai, a project designed to promote Argentine football and deepen ties between the Middle East and Argentina. Partnering with Prestige One, a prestigious real estate developer known for its high-end projects in the UAE, AFA aims to create a landmark that combines sports, culture, and business opportunities in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Prestige One has built a reputation for excellence, with a portfolio that includes luxury residential developments, commercial projects, and iconic architectural works that have left a lasting mark on the Dubai skyline. With a vision to create spaces that blend modern living with functional and stylish design, Prestige One is the ideal partner for AFA in bringing this ambitious project to life. The collaboration signals a new chapter not only for AFA’s international expansion but also for the real estate and sports industries in the UAE.
A Symbol of Argentina’s Football Legacy
The AFA Tower will be much more than just a skyscraper. Located in the heart of Dubai, it will house a variety of amenities and facilities that reflect the global impact of Argentine football. The tower project will include:
- A Football Museum: An immersive space that showcases Argentina’s football history, featuring memorabilia, interactive displays, and highlights of key moments in the sport’s legacy.
- Football Academies and Training Facilities: Catering to football enthusiasts of all ages, the tower will host state-of-the-art training centers where young talents can hone their skills under the guidance of top coaches and trainers.
- A Themed Restaurant and Lounge: Offering a unique dining experience that celebrates Argentine cuisine, the restaurant will be a hub for fans and visitors, providing a perfect blend of culture and community.
Strengthening AFA’s Global Presence
The AFA Tower is a strategic move to bolster AFA’s international presence, specifically in the Middle East. The project is part of a broader vision to increase the association’s global footprint, which has seen rapid expansion since 2018. This expansion is not just about growing the association’s brand but also about forging stronger relationships with regional sponsors, football academies, and fans.
AFA’s ties with the UAE have been flourishing, with the organization hosting the Argentine Super Cup in Abu Dhabi and participating in various regional initiatives, including friendly matches. This strong connection to the Middle East has made Dubai the perfect location for the AFA Tower, symbolizing the growing relationship between Argentina and the Gulf region.
A Hub for Business and Football
In addition to its cultural and sporting components, the AFA Tower will also function as a hub for business ventures, offering office spaces that will serve as regional headquarters for AFA. This will provide a platform for partnerships, sponsorship deals, and media collaborations aimed at expanding AFA’s brand in the Middle East and North Africa.
The tower is expected to attract investors and stakeholders from the sports and entertainment industries, as well as football fans looking to engage with the world of Argentine football. It will be a venue for business meetings, fan events, and official gatherings, making it an essential part of AFA’s commercial growth.
A Major Milestone for AFA and Argentine Football
The AFA Tower represents a monumental step for both the association and Argentine football. It is a testament to AFA’s efforts to grow its influence internationally and to celebrate Argentina’s football legacy on a global stage. As the project takes shape, it will undoubtedly become a major landmark in Dubai, drawing attention from sports enthusiasts, investors, and football fans worldwide.
The official agreement for this ambitious project was signed by Ajmal Saifi, CEO of Prestige One, and Leandro Petersen, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer at AFA. This partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter for both AFA and the Middle Eastern sports landscape.
At the signing ceremony, key figures from both organizations were present, marking the significance of the moment. From AFA, Pablo Diaz, Head of the International Department, was in attendance, alongside Leandro Petersen, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer. On the Prestige One side, the event was graced by the company’s full management team, including Basma Al Badre, Managing Director; Hussein Ezzdeen, Head of Sales; James Chacko, CFO; Yamin Shihab, Chief Development Officer; and Samir Abo-Atiaa, Chief Technical Officer and Wael Watfa, Training & Development.
The event was also attended by media representatives from Latin&Gulf, with co-founder Martin Bueno, and Sports&Gulf, represented by co-founder and editor Brian Smith.
By bringing a piece of Argentina to Dubai, the AFA Tower will play a pivotal role in promoting football, culture, and business in the Middle East, further solidifying the UAE’s position as a key partner for Argentine sports and culture.
Exclusive Interview with Leandro Petersen and Ajmal Saifi After the AFA Tower Signing Ceremony
Following the official signing ceremony of the AFA Tower partnership between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and Prestige One, an exclusive interview was granted to Sports & Gulf.ae Magazine. During this interview, Leandro Petersen, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer at AFA, and Ajmal Saifi, CEO of Prestige One, shared insights on their groundbreaking collaboration and the vision behind the AFA Tower project in Dubai.
Leandro Petersen Comment:
“We are very happy and excited to be here; it’s a historic day for AFA. Over 8 years ago, we began a process of global expansion, and today marks a milestone as we present a project like the AFA Tower in such an iconic place like Dubai. We’ve been working on this for over a year, and I believe this is just the beginning. This is a project where AFA will have something truly important; this will be like our home in the Middle East. We also plan to establish academies for boys and girls, where they can learn to play football the way it’s done in Argentina. We are also considering having a museum and restaurants, all part of our vision to ensure AFA’s brand presence in the Middle East.”
We also plan to establish academies for boys and girls, where they can learn to play football the way it’s done in Argentina
Ajmal Saifi Comment:
“We are committed to this idea primarily because it hasn’t been done before. It’s an innovative concept. When you break it down, why shouldn’t this happen today? We see numerous brands, designers, and even cars partnering with developers. Fashion brands are also collaborating with developers, so why can’t a football or sports organization do the same?
There are numerous elements you can connect, especially with fashion and buildings, but with football and sports, you have the opportunity to create a deeper connection to lifestyle. The amenities within the building and the lifestyle elements are much more aligned with sports, and I believe that’s the key difference.
What’s crucial here is that the core values of AFA align perfectly with the values of Prestige One. Over the years, we’ve always been trendsetters, and I believe this project will continue that tradition. As you mentioned, this hasn’t been done before, but we will be the first to do it, and I’m confident that we’ll set the trend for others to follow.
We are committed to this idea primarily because it hasn’t been done before. It’s an innovative concept.
Sports unite people, and I think especially for the younger generation, it’s vital. There’s nothing better than sports—it’s beneficial for health, well-being, and it’s a great source of inspiration.
I always say that sports teach people to become better business leaders. The competition and mindset within sports help individuals cope with challenges and perform better in both work and life. So, this is not just a project—it’s a process that’s truly amazing.”
Editorial Final Comments on the AFA/Prestige One Launch
The launch of the AFA Tower in Dubai represents not just a remarkable real estate venture but a significant milestone in the global expansion of Argentine football. This groundbreaking partnership between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and Prestige One reflects the growing fusion between sports and lifestyle, with football becoming a cultural bridge that connects people across continents.
What makes the AFA Tower truly unique is its holistic approach—blending sports, community, and lifestyle in a way that hasn’t been done before. This isn’t just a building; it’s an experience, a space where football fans, families, and young athletes can come together to celebrate the rich heritage of Argentine football. From interactive museums to football academies, the tower promises to be a destination that inspires both the mind and body.
A special mention must be made of the alignment between AFA’s values and those of Prestige One. Their shared vision of excellence and innovation is reflected in every aspect of the AFA Tower project, which will not only stand as a symbol of Argentine football but also serve as a beacon of the power of sports to unite and inspire.
With this partnership, AFA and Prestige One are not just setting a new trend—they are paving the way for future collaborations that will change the way we think about the intersection of sports, culture, and business. As both organizations continue to work on this exciting venture, we can only expect the AFA Tower to become a central hub for football fans and business leaders in the Middle East, as well as a powerful symbol of Argentina’s global football legacy.
