The UAE summer registration window closed at 5pm yesterday, after opening on 13 July 2026. Shabab Al Ahli confirmed the permanent signing of Wout Faes from Leicester City. Yahya Al Ghassani joined Sharjah FC on loan until the end of the season.
Faes' move remains subject to international clearance. One report said he signed a three-year deal. Kalba FC added Senegalese full-back Mamadou Ndiaye from Frosinone Primavera, while United signed Serbian defender Aleksa Boric from Atletico Madrid.
The window is shut.
Rangers defender Clinton Nsiala completed a permanent move to Sharjah FC before the UAE deadline. UK coverage reported a fee of about £300,000.
Late moves addressed immediate squad needs
Sharjah FC published a video in which Al Ghassani said he was pleased to join the club. He called himself a "son of Sharjah" and said he aimed to win more titles with the team this season.
Faes' arrival strengthened Shabab Al Ahli's squad as the club agreed to Al Ghassani's loan move. Kalba FC registered Ndiaye as a resident player. United completed its defensive addition with Boric.
Specific needs drove the deals.
Dubai United confirmed Mahmoud Dahoud's arrival on a two-year free transfer after his departure from Eintracht Frankfurt. The club announcement was reported on 24 September 2026.
More than 3,000 transactions across the window
UAE Football Association figures show 3,103 transactions during the summer registration period. That total includes 1,927 registrations, 955 registration clearances, 137 replacements, 46 transfers and 38 loans.
The window ran from 13 July 2026 until 5pm yesterday. It covered the UAE Pro League, the Under-23 professional league and competitions from the first through third divisions. Under-19 and Under-21 leagues were also included.
Squad building now has to fit a fixed competition schedule. The published schedule sets out the league rounds leading to the first-half finale.
Clubs that missed the deadline have an additional 21 days to sign unattached free agents who are not under contract with another club. They can still fill gaps, but only from that defined pool.
The deadline concentrated a large share of the window's activity. The confirmed moves also show clubs addressing specific squad needs. The extra period is less about broad recruitment and more about filling the openings that remain.
