Sir Alex to earn £150k for an hour’s work at Dubai event

Posted Sunday, September 14, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

FERGIE time will take on a whole new meaning when Sir Alex gets around £150,000 for an hour’s work.

Sir Alex to earn £150k for an hour’s work at Dubai event
The former Manchester United boss has been laughing all the way to the bank since he left Old Trafford in 2013.

His latest moneymaking venture is as the keynote speaker at this year’s Arabian Business Awards in Dubai.

The black tie event on November 10 will see the 72-year-old pocket around £150,000 for his 60-minute talk – roughly £2,600 a minute.

Sir Alex will give a speech on leadership and management at the £7,000-a-night JW Marriott Marquis.

He will also appear at the Arabian Business Conference the next morning for a question and answer session.

The event is seen as the biggest business gathering in the region.

Last year the main speech was given by former British prime minister Tony Blair, 61. A source said: “This is one of the most prestigious events in the Middle East calendar and it is a huge honour to be asked to be the keynote speaker.

"Sir Alex is admired and respected by the Arabs and they are happy to pay him whatever it takes for his time.

"Manchester United is famous around the world and Fergie is still a global superstar on the speech-making scene.

"No expense will be spared to make sure his trip is as enjoyable as possible.

"They will roll out the red carpet and give him the full VIP treatment.”

Our insider said it was ironic that the Scot now seems to be making as much money in retirement as he did in the hot seat at United.

He added: “While the current manager Louis van Gaal is struggling to have an impact at Old Trafford, Sir Alex is still making his mark outside the game.

"His autobiography was a bestseller and is now set to come out in paperback.

"He has maintained a lucrative contract with the club as a director and ambassador and has also now taken up a position at Harvard University where he will be lecturing.

"On top of that he has sold off his huge wine collection which has earned him millions.

"His retirement doesn’t seem to have had any impact at all on his earning capacity.”

Speaking about how much Sir Alex is enjoying his time on the lecture circuit, our source said: “He loves doing the speeches and last year signed up with the Harry Walker Agency in New York alongside the likes of former US president Bill Clinton.

"He can now command huge fees for one-off public speaking events.”