Emirates cabin crew pose with European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn .

Emirates Airline has become an official partner of next year’s 48th Ryder Cup as part of a four-year renewal of its existing European Tour sponsorship.

“Emirates partnering The 2018 Ryder Cup [Le Golf National] in Paris is huge news for the region,” said Nick Tarratt, Director of the European Tour’s Dubai office.

“A wonderful local story that will be heard around the world and have a global impact. They last sponsored the Ryder Cup in 2010 at Celtic Manor and it is significant that they are back on board for next year’s event. “

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline said: “We’re pleased to announce our continued partnership with the European Tour. Golf is one of the world’s most popular sports and Emirates proudly links golfers and fans alike to top golfing events and destinations around the globe.

“As the Official Partner of The 2018 Ryder Cup in France next year, we look forward to further strengthening our relationship with the European Tour as well as engaging with millions of golf fans around the world.’’

Emirates currently supports 19 events on the European Tour as well as the over-arching and season-long Race to Dubai which culminates with the DP World Tour Championship from November 16-19 at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. The agreement extension runs to 2021.

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Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, fresh from winning the PGA Tour’s Wyndham Championship, is the defending Race to Dubai champion.