Real Madrid have dropped the Christian cross atop their official badge in a bid to appease new sponsors.

The Champions League holders have signed a lucrative deal with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi and as a result tinkered with their Los Blancos crest, according to Marca.

It is believed that the change is to pacify Muslim supporters in the UAE, although it hasn’t been altered outside the region.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch The stunning Real Madrid Dubai Island resort in UAE

Real Madrid have removed the Christian cross from their official crest in the United Arab Emirates

Club president Florentino Perez announced the sponsorship earlier in the week

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring against Eibar with winger James Rodriguez last weekend

President Florentino Perez was joined by Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema and Dani Carvajal at the announcement earlier this week.

‘I know that the local people experience every match in a special way and that our links with the UAE are constantly growing stronger,’ Perez said recently.