Fans of the UAE National Team are gearing up to provide unwavering support as the team prepares for Gulf Cup 27 in Saudi Arabia. The tournament runs from September 23 to October 6, and supporters are eager to generate a vibrant atmosphere during the matches.
Supporters’ Departure for Jeddah
A dedicated group consisting of twenty-five members from the UAE National Team Supporters’ Association will jet off from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Jeddah tomorrow. This delegation marks the beginning of the UAE’s journey in the Gulf Cup, where they will face tough competition in Group B against Qatar, Bahrain, and Yemen. The UAE will kick off its tournament campaign with a match against Yemen on September 24.
Chairman Fahad Al Mansouri confirmed that all necessary arrangements for the supporters’ delegation have been thoroughly prepared. He emphasized that early coordination with the UAE Football Association created a robust plan to ensure that Emirati fans could attend and cheer for their team. This includes efficient ticket distribution and a variety of organizational efforts designed to enhance fans’ experience.
Strong Backing for Supporters’ Association
Al Mansouri pointed out that the enthusiastic support from the Football Association has been instrumental in facilitating the Supporters’ Association’s initiatives. To foster a significant turnout of fans in Jeddah, various resources have been allocated. For instance, the association announced the distribution of 5,000 flags and scarves for UAE supporters, with plans to increase these numbers if needed.
In Jeddah, a specialized team from the Football Association will be available to assist fans with ticketing and other essential services throughout the tournament, ensuring smooth logistics so that supporters can focus solely on lending their voice to the team.
Information for Fans
To further aid fans attending the matches, the supporters’ social media channels have been energizingly active, posting crucial details about match arrangements against Yemen, Bahrain, and Qatar. The updates also include essential information regarding accommodations, tourism opportunities, and arrangements for performing Umrah. Al Mansouri mentioned a commitment to providing a comprehensive guide for supporters to ensure they have everything they need from the moment they arrive in Jeddah until after the matches, including transport to Makkah.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Al Mansouri expressed a hopeful anticipation regarding Zlatko Dalic’s coaching tenure. Given Dalic’s successful history with Al Ain and the Croatian national team, he believes the national squad is in capable hands. His optimism signifies expectations for a notably improved performance under Dalic’s leadership. He also underscored the valuable presence of former UAE star Ismail Matar within the team’s technical staff, suggesting this could boost the players’ morale and skill advancement.
Supporters are not just enthused; they are fully committed to backing the national team as they navigate through the challenges of the Gulf Cup. Abdulmajid Rustam, the Chairman of the Shabab Al Ahli Supporters’ Council, echoed this sentiment, affirming the importance of solidarity with Al Abyad during the tournament. The pride in national representation is palpable, and the Emirati fans are primed to demonstrate their loyalty and enthusiasm for their team.