UAE Football

Six Private Flights to Carry UAE Fans to Gulf Cup Final

Six Private Flights to Carry UAE Fans to Gulf Cup Final UAE Cue Sports © uaecuesports.com
Six Private Flights to Carry UAE Fans to Gulf Cup Final © uaecuesports.com
The UAE Football Association is arranging six private planes for Tuesday's Gulf Cup final against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah. Organisers expect 10,000 supporters, and more free-flight initiatives may follow.

The final is set for 6 October at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. Some outlets also refer to the venue as Al-Inma Stadium.

The UAE Football Association will open fan registration at 1pm on Sunday. It expects 10,000 supporters, though that figure is a projection, not a confirmed count. That is the plan.

Reuters reported that the UAE booked its place in the final with a 1-0 win over Oman on 3 October. Ousmane Camara scored the decisive goal in the 22nd minute.

Reuters

Flights and registration for UAE supporters

Six private aircraft are the travel arrangement announced so far. The source also reports that more free-flight initiatives are expected, but offers no details about their number or availability. The six-plane plan and the 10,000-supporter estimate have not been independently verified by the sources reviewed here.

The UAE's run to the final has raised expectations of a large turnout. Earlier Gulf Cup reporting covered the team's group-stage campaign. Read that report here. Saudi Arabia advanced too. Reuters reported that the team beat Qatar 3-2 on penalties on 3 October after a goalless draw through regulation and extra time.

Saudi Arabia are seeking to end a 22-year wait for another Gulf Cup title, Reuters reported, adding historical significance to the Jeddah final.

Reuters

A final with substantial away support

The UAE and Saudi Arabia will meet in Jeddah with the Gulf Cup title at stake. The UAE are seeking a third title after winning in 2007 and 2013, according to QNA. Sunday is the next step. Fans can register when sign-ups open.

The six private planes offer substantial logistical support for the trip. The 10,000 attendance figure remains an expectation. The federation has made the final a major away-fan operation, and any additional free flights could extend it.

James Mercer Founder, Owner, Publisher & Managing Director UAE Cue Sports
UAE CUE Sports Desk

James Mercer

James Mercer is the Founder, Owner, Publisher and Managing Director of UAE CUE Sports, where he oversees editorial direction and the publication's development across the Emirates. He writes about UAE sport, sports media, major events, venues, sports business and the wider relationship between participation, audiences and the country's sporting industry.