Newcastle United's aims here in Saudi Arabia are far from just football-related as the club look to build strong links in the Middle East.
A 100-strong party from United includes the playing and coaching staff, but members from departments across the board with the club's chief commercial officer Peter Silverstone, chief executive officer Darren Eales and sports lawyer John Devine all present. That list also includes co-owners Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben.
The team are meeting with companies across the Middle East during their stay as they look to push the brand hard. One such deal clinched on the trip already was a partnership with pioneering telecommunications provider stc who are now the official tour digital partner of Newcastle. Silverstone said: "Our ambition is to grow our supporter base in Saudi Arabia; a country whose young population includes a large, passionate and highly engaged football community.
