BYD becomes Official Automotive Partner of Khaleeji 27 football tournament
- New agreement with major Gulf event held in September and October
- Collaboration includes supply of fan-zone activities
- Official partnership based on shared vision of innovation and excellence
BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles, has reached a new agreement to be the Official Automotive Partner of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) and the Khaleeji 27 tournament.
The announcement marks BYD’s first official sponsorship of a major Gulf football event, and a significant milestone in the brand’s commitment to the region and expansion in one its key strategic markets. The partnership is based on strong alignment between Khaleeji 27 and BYD, which will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 23 September and 7 October. One of the Gulf region’s most celebrated sporting events, it brings together teams from eight nations, along with their communities and generations of fans, through a shared passion for football.
BYD shares this spirit of connection and progress, using innovation and advanced new energy technology to create a better mobility experience for people across the world. Together, AGCFF and BYD aim to deliver a tournament experience that celebrates excellence, inspires fans and reflects the ambition of a region moving confidently towards the future.
As Official Automotive Partner, BYD will give fans, media and guests the opportunity to try its range of models in a dedicated on-site test-drive area. BYD will also engage with supporters through interactive displays and experiences in the official Fan Zone.
The agreement was formalised at a signing ceremony held in Doha, Qatar, on 29 June 2026 and attended by key executives and officials from Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation and BYD, including Mr. Jassim Sultan Al Rumaihi, Secretary General of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation and Ms. Stella Li, BYD Executive Vice President.
On this occasion, Mr. Jassim Sultan Al Rumaihi, Secretary General of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation, said: “This cooperation reflects mutual trust and a shared vision aimed at developing the tournament and strengthening its fan engagement. This partnership with BYD also underscores AGCFF’s ongoing commitment and continuous efforts to attract leading brands with significant influence in the region. BYD will join the sponsors of this prestigious Gulf sporting event to help deliver an exceptional edition of the tournament, given the noble values, diverse significance, marketing appeal, and immense popularity that it represents.
He added: “This partnership with BYD, a strategic partner distinguished by its commitment to supporting sports and major events, will play a fundamental role in supporting and advancing football at all levels. It will strengthen our efforts to enhance, elevate, and further develop this tournament while increasing its impact. We are excited about a successful tournament that reflects everyone’s passion for Gulf football.”
BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li commented: “We’re proud and excited to be the Official Automotive Partner of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation and Khaleeji 27. Football has a unique ability to bring people together, and Khaleeji is one of the strongest expressions of unity, passion and pride across the Gulf region. At BYD, we share this spirit of progress and excellence. Through innovation and our new-energy technologies, we’re committed to supporting a better future for the Middle East region and creating meaningful experiences for fans, customers and communities.”
BYD started as a battery manufacturer just over 30 years ago. It made its first New Energy Vehicle (NEV), the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid, in 2008, and has since firmly established itself as the global NEV leader, with record sales of both EVs and Super Hybrid PHEVs, and a market presence in more than 120 countries and regions. It celebrated production of its 16 millionth NEV as recently as April 2026.
In 2025 BYD sold 4.6 million vehicles globally, with more than a million of them finding customers outside of China. BYD’s global headquarters are in Shenzhen, and it employs 120,000 engineers in research and development, pushing the boundaries and innovating with an average of 52 new patent applications every working day.
About BYD Auto
Founded in 2003, BYD Auto is the automotive subsidiary of BYD, a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Aiming to accelerate the green transition of the global transportation sector, BYD Auto focuses on developing pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company has mastered the core technologies of the entire industrial chain of new energy vehicles, such as batteries, electric motors, electronic controllers, and automotive-grade semiconductors. It has witnessed in recent years significant technological advancements, including the Blade Battery, the Super Hybrid with DM Technology, the e-Platform 3.0, the CTB and iTAC technologies, the DiSus Intelligent Body Control System, and the Super e-Platform. The company is the world’s first carmaker to stop the production of fossil-fueled vehicles on EV shift and has topped the global new energy vehicle sales for 4 years in a row.