UAE national football team supporters are preparing to rally behind Al Abyad during the upcoming Gulf Cup 27, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia from September 23 through October 6, with extensive fan arrangements aimed at providing the team with strong backing from the stands throughout the tournament.
Tomorrow, 25 members of the UAE national team supporters’ association will depart from Abu Dhabi International Airport for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where they will support and encourage the national team during its Gulf Cup campaign.
The UAE will compete in Group B alongside Qatar, Bahrain, and Yemen, and will open its tournament campaign against Yemen on September 24.
Early Preparations to Support the UAE National Team
Fahad Al Mansouri, head of the UAE national team supporters’ association and widely known as “Falooda,” confirmed that all arrangements for the group’s trip to Saudi Arabia have been completed. He noted that coordination with the UAE Football Association began well in advance to ensure that Emirati fans attending the matches receive all the support and facilities they need.
He explained that the UAE Football Association has prepared a comprehensive plan designed to help large numbers of supporters attend the matches, while also organizing ticket distribution and other logistical matters related to fans throughout the tournament.
Al Mansouri said: “The national team supporters’ association receives strong support and attention from the UAE Football Association to carry out its role in encouraging and supporting the team during this highly anticipated event. The association has provided all the necessary facilities to enable large numbers of Emirati fans to travel to Jeddah and support the national team in the Gulf Cup.”
5,000 Flags and 5,000 Scarves for Al Abyad Fans
As part of preparations to create a vibrant atmosphere during the UAE’s matches, the UAE Football Association has provided 5,000 flags and 5,000 scarves for Emirati supporters, with the possibility of increasing the number depending on demand and attendance.
Al Mansouri said: “The UAE Football Association has provided 5,000 flags and 5,000 scarves for Emirati fans, with the possibility of increasing the number according to need, with the aim of supporting the national team and creating an enthusiastic atmosphere in the stands during its matches.”
The initiative forms part of a broader plan to strengthen the Emirati presence in the stands and turn the national team’s matches into a strong source of support and motivation for the players.
Al Mansouri added: “With the tournament approaching, the final touches have been put in place on all arrangements related to the fans. The UAE Football Association has also prepared a working team that will be present in Jeddah to provide various forms of support to Emirati fans, whether in relation to the ticket distribution process, organizational matters, or meeting supporters’ needs.”
The presence of this working team in Jeddah is expected to make the fan experience smoother, particularly in relation to tickets, organization, guidance, and services associated with match attendance.
A Complete Guide for Emirati Fans in Jeddah
The UAE national team supporters’ account on social media has also published details of the Emirati fans’ journey during Gulf Cup 27, including arrangements for attending the national team’s matches against Yemen, Bahrain, and Qatar.
The information also covers accommodation, transportation, tourism, and Umrah, providing useful guidance for supporters who want to attend the matches while also making the most of their stay in Saudi Arabia.
Al Mansouri said: “We were keen to provide the necessary information for fans planning to attend the national team’s matches, as well as those wishing to perform Umrah, starting from their arrival in Jeddah, through arrangements related to match tickets, the accommodation guide, the Umrah guide, and all the way to traveling to Makkah to perform Umrah for those who wish to do so.”
These arrangements reflect the association’s and the UAE Football Association’s efforts to make the Emirati fan experience as organized and convenient as possible, particularly with a strong turnout expected for Al Abyad’s matches.
Optimism Over the Start of the Zlatko Dalic Era
There is also growing optimism among UAE supporters following the appointment of Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic to lead Al Abyad, given his experience and previous successes in Emirati and international football.
Al Mansouri said: “We are optimistic about Zlatko and his assistant coaching staff taking charge, given the major successes he has achieved in the past, whether previously with Al Ain Club or with the Croatian national team. Zlatko is a major name in coaching, and we expect the national team to look different under his leadership.”
Dalic’s coaching record has given fans renewed confidence ahead of the Gulf Cup, especially because of his previous knowledge of UAE football and his successful spell with Al Ain, in addition to his distinguished career with the Croatian national team.
Al Mansouri also confirmed that the presence of former UAE national team star Ismail Matar within the technical staff “will give the players strong support,” while expressing his expectation that Al Abyad can go far in the upcoming Gulf Cup.
Ismail Matar’s presence is seen as an important technical and motivational addition, given his long experience with the national team and his familiarity with the atmosphere and demands of Gulf competitions.
Shabab Al Ahli Fans Confirm Their Readiness
For his part, Abdulmajid Rustam, head of Shabab Al Ahli’s supporters council, confirmed that the club’s fans are fully ready to support the UAE national team during its upcoming Gulf Cup campaign, stressing the importance of standing behind Al Abyad and supporting the team throughout the tournament.
