Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said sustained leadership backing helped develop generations of UAE athletes. He thanked national-team supporters and congratulated Saudi Arabia after its 2-0 Gulf Cup 27 final win.
The University of Sharjah excused students from lectures so they could attend the Gulf Cup 27 final in Jeddah. Students had to send the university director a copy of their match ticket as proof of attendance. Saudi Arabia beat the UAE 2-0.
Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed will lead the crew for Tuesday's Gulf Al-Diyar Al-Arabiya 27 final between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The match is set for Jeddah, with officials from several countries assigned to on-field and VAR duties.
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.
Up to 10,000 UAE supporters are expected in Jeddah for Tuesday's Gulf Cup 27 final against Saudi Arabia on October 6, 2026. Free-flight plans have yet to be announced.
The UAE are expected to bring back key starters for Saturday's Gulf Cup 27 semi-final against Oman. Zlatko Dalic has attacking options, but his defence must contain Oman's counter-attacks.
Ali Saleh says the UAE will follow the coach's instructions and go for all three points against Qatar. The side has already qualified for the semi-finals, but the group lead is still up for grabs.
The UAE and Qatar both have six points, but the UAE lead Group B on goal difference. Yuri Cesar is expected to miss the rest of the tournament with a hamstring injury, testing Zlatko Dalic's options before the final group match.
The UAE lead Group B after beating Yemen 4-0. Bahrain are seeking their first points after a 2-0 loss to Qatar.
The UAE beat Yemen 4-0 to join Qatar on three points and move ahead on goal difference. Yemen offered little test for a defence that faces stronger opposition next.
With the Gulf Cup set for September in Jeddah, the UAE National Team has launched its Abu Dhabi training camp under Zlatko Dalic, confirming a 26-player squad and a focused build-up ahead of group clashes with Qatar, Bahrain and Yemen.
