Al Ettifaq set three-season promotion target
Al Ettifaq have set a three-season target for UAE Pro League promotion, but sit 14th after six rounds. The club is counting on recruits with European experience and a longer-term stability plan.
UAE Football 119 stories
UAE Football brings together the site's coverage of football within the Emirates, from domestic clubs and competitions to national-team context, academies, player development and supporter interest. The section provides a home for fixtures, results and tactical reporting while also keeping club structures, venues and governance visible where they affect the game.
Its role is broader than a single league or team: it acts as the Level 1 football cluster for UAE CUE Sports. More specific child categories separate club-focused coverage, match schedules and outcomes, and deeper analysis so readers can move from headline competition context to the exact football information they need.
Its role is broader than a single league or team: it acts as the Level 1 football cluster for UAE CUE Sports. More specific child categories separate club-focused coverage, match schedules and outcomes, and deeper analysis so readers can move from headline competition context to the exact football information they need.
Hamdan credits leadership backing for UAE football growth
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.
Al Ain Face Shabab Al Ahli in Cup Opener
Al Ain open their defence against 11-time winners Shabab Al Ahli after the Round of 16 draw in Abu Dhabi. Sharjah will face Al Orooba in a single-match tie.
Ajman Extend Perfect ADIB Cup Start Against Baniyas
Mohamed Jumaa scored in the 83rd minute as Ajman beat Baniyas 1-0 in the third round. Ajman have nine points; Baniyas stay on six after their first defeat.
Pele's Strike Puts Ajman Level with Al Wasl
Mohamed Juma, known as Pele, scored in the 83rd minute to give Ajman a third straight cup win and a share of the lead. Al Jazira drew 0-0 with Sharjah after Cornado's penalty was saved.
Caio Lucas faces Sharjah absence until December
Moraes says Caio Lucas could resume training in about two months, but will not play before December. Sharjah drew with Al Jazira after missing a penalty.
Ivic calls out Al Ain regulars after Kalba draw
Vladimir Ivic says some Al Ain regulars offered less than their teammates in the 2-2 draw with Kalba. He plans to speak with the players he had in mind.
UAE President's Cup draw sets 50th-edition route
The 50th UAE President's Cup draw takes place at 6.30pm on 10 October at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Sixteen clubs enter a single-match knockout, with no second leg to fall back on.
Emarat backs Shabab Al Ahli community sports programme
Announced on 8 October 2026, Emarat's sponsorship will fund community and sports activities linked to Shabab Al Ahli. The announcement gives no timetable or details of individual events.
United Fined AED 40,000 Over Cup Compliance Breaches
United's two compliance failures led to a total AED 40,000 fine during the President's Cup. Al Bataeh and Al Dhafra were fined AED 10,000 each; seven clubs received warnings.
Shabab Al Ahli secure first ADIB Cup win over United
Shabab Al Ahli beat United 2-1 at Rashid Stadium on October 8, earning five points after two draws. United had more possession but put only three shots on target.
University of Sharjah waives lectures for Gulf Cup final fans
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.
Al Jazira appoint Jordi Roura to lead academy development
Al Jazira have reportedly appointed former Barcelona youth football director Jordi Roura to lead their academy. He is said to have started work on 1 October, but the available search results did not independently verify the appointment or details of his role.
Al-Wehdat appoint Emad El-Nahhas after funding and licence delays
Al-Wehdat confirmed Emad El-Nahhas's appointment on 5 October after funding disputes and an Asian Pro coaching licence issue delayed the paperwork. His first official match is scheduled for 9 October against Al-Jazeera.
Jalal Jayed appointed referee for Gulf 27 final
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.
Fujairah and Al Orooba Claim Final UAE President's Cup Last-16 Spots
Fujairah beat Dibba Al Hisn 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Al Orooba won 2-0 away to Al Arabi to join 14 professional clubs in the UAE President's Cup Round of 16.
Six Private Flights to Carry UAE Fans to Gulf Cup Final
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.
10,000 UAE Fans Expected for Gulf Cup 27 Final
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.
UAE vs Oman: Gulf Cup Semi-Final Preview & Key Matchups
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.
Al Dhafra sit 12th after five league matches
Al Dhafra have three points from five matches in the Adnoc Pro League. They are level with Hatta and sit just above bottom-placed Baniyas.
Darko Lazovic listed as Al Wahda's Serbian wide midfielder
Darko Lazovic is listed as Al Wahda's 36-year-old Serbian wide midfielder, wearing number 88. The club's five latest listed results include four wins and a 1-0 defeat by Al Jazira.
City Dubai names Ajman Police Stadium its home ground
City Dubai will play league matches and train at Police Club Stadium in Ajman from 21 August 2026 through the end of the 2026-27 season.
Ali Saleh keeps UAE focused on Qatar test
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.
Al Ain seek response against Ajman in ADIB Cup
Al Ain host Ajman on 2 October in the second round of the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Cup. Ajman sit third on three points; Al Ain are looking for their first result after an opening setback.
Gulf Football Federation chief visits UAE camp in Jeddah
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani visited the UAE national team in Jeddah before its third-round Gulf 27 match. UAE officials thanked him for the visit and his support for Gulf competitions.
UAE Pro League Clubs Close Summer Window with Major Signings
Sharjah signed Laba Kodjo and Al Jazira added four players as the UAE summer window closed. Club valuations offer another measure of the money and talent in the league.
UAE Face Qatar Test With Gulf Cup Lead at Stake
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.
Yuri Cesar expected to miss the UAE's remaining Gulf Cup matches
Yuri Cesar is expected to miss the rest of the UAE's Gulf Cup campaign after injuring his hamstring against Bahrain on September 27, 2026. He will return to Dubai for treatment, with no recovery timetable announced, and rejoin Shabab Al Ahli when fit.
UAE Pro League Clubs Race to Complete Summer Transfers
Shabab Al Ahli confirmed Wout Faes' permanent move from Leicester City, while Yahya Al Ghassani joined Sharjah FC on loan. The summer window recorded 3,103 transactions. Clubs have a further 21 days to sign unattached free agents.
UAE Pro League Declines to Organise Egyptian Super Cup
The UAE Pro League has declined to organise the next Egyptian Super Cup after the tournament was staged in the Emirates in recent years. Abu Dhabi was reported as a possible venue for the first week of November 2026, but no official confirmation or final host agreement had been announced by late September.