ABU DHABI // Fans gathered at the CityStore Abu Dhabi to meet and get autographs from Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given on last night.
"It is great to be able to spend time in Abu Dhabi, and meet so many fans," Given said. "The kids, in particular, have an overwhelming enthusiasm for the game, and it's very rewarding to help them further engage with the sport."
Given is in Abu Dhabi to coach youngsters participating in the Etihad Airways Manchester City Football Club Soccer Schools.
In recent years Manchester City has increased their focus on their Arab fans. In July 2009, the club launched an Arabic version of their website. The home page, www.mcfc.co.uk, underwent a makeover and now offers bilingual content to satisfy the demand from supporters in the Middle East.
In February, Adam Johnson, the Manchester City midfielder, officially opened CityStore Abu Dhabi in the capital's Marina Mall.
CityStore, the first stand-alone store of any English football team in the region, features a full range of club merchandise, as well as a shirt-printing service to personalise items.
The store is running a promotion until Friday that offers customers who purchase a City shirt a chance to win a trip for two to attend Manchester City's final home game of the season in May.