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The master of ceremonies and host for this year’s Maritime Standard Awards will be the internationally famous soccer star, Ruud Gullit. Ruud is quite simply a soccer phenomenon, who is widely regarded as one of the best to have ever played the game. He was twice voted World Football Player of the Year in 1987 and 1988, and was also European Footballer of the Year in 1987.
At international level he was captain of the Dutch football team that was victorious at Euro 88 and played for some of Europe’s best known clubs, including Chelsea, AC Milan, PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord and Sampdoria, winning a number of trophies along the way. After his playing career ended, Ruud went on to become a successful manager, taking the reins at Newcastle, Chelsea, Feyenoord and LA Galaxy. He has now carved out a successful career as a TV presenter and football analyst, working with the likes of BskyB, BBC, and Al Jazeera.
Ruud says, “I am looking forward to coming to Dubai and hosting The Maritime Standard Awards at the Atlantis on 9th November. It is a big night in one of the world’s key shipping hubs and I am am delighted to have the chance to meet many of the people who have made this region so successful in this field.”
Ruud also hopes that his visit will boost local interest in football particularly amongst young people. He says, “During my many visits here in the past I have seen that the UAE is among the world’s fastest improving football nations. I hope my visit here can have a positive impact.”
The Maritime Standard is naturally delighted that such a well-known name has agreed to host this year’s event. Managing director Trevor Pereira says, “Ruud Gullit is a soccer icon and is also one of the most inspirational speakers around. We are really pleased he has agreed to join us as host on 9th November and I am sure our guests will enjoy hearing him speak.”
