As the UAE national football team prepares for a decisive set of World Cup qualifiers in Doha, the UAE Football Association has launched a full-scale initiative to rally fan support, including the deployment of five private jets. This fresh move builds on a series of recent efforts—from official travel packages to high-profile private support—underscoring the country’s unified push to return to the global stage for the first time since 1990.
The stakes: UAE’s World Cup quest continues
After finishing third in Group A of the third round of the AFC qualifiers, behind Iran and Uzbekistan, the UAE national team, known as Al Abyad or The Whites, narrowly missed out on a direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the dream remains alive. Under the guidance of coach Cosmin Olăroiu, the team now moves into the Asian playoff annex, where they face Oman and Qatar in a three-team group. Only the winners of each group in this playoff stage will move forward to the final tournament, joining already-qualified Asian teams: Australia, Japan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Jordan. The expanded 48-nation FIFA World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. UAE’s key fixtures in this critical stage are scheduled as follows:
- October 11: UAE vs. Oman at Hamad Bin Jassim Stadium, Al Sadd Club, Doha
- October 14: UAE vs. Qatar
UAEFA’s new push: Five private jets and full-fledged fan support
On October 4, the UAE Football Association announced a major logistical move: the provision of five private aircraft to transport Emirati fans to Doha to support Al Abyad in their opening playoff match against Oman. The initiative is part of the broader “Dream of a Nation” campaign, which aims to create optimal support conditions for the national team during this critical phase.Key details of this latest arrangement include:
- Travel Date: Fans will fly to Doha ahead of the October 11 match.
- Ticket Collection: Tickets will be distributed at
Radisson Blu Hotel , Doha, between 10 AM and 10 PM on October 9, 10, and 11—subject to availability. - ID Requirement: Fans must present a valid Emirates ID; each individual is eligible for one ticket only.
- Online Registration: Access to the private jets will be managed through UAEFA’s official digital platforms, under specified terms and conditions.
The Secretary-General of the UAEFA, Mohammed Abdullah Hazam Al Dhaheri, emphasized the importance of this stage in the qualifiers and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned in supporting the team and its fans. “We are committed to creating a supportive environment for the national team and this initiative reflects our dedication,” Al Dhaheri stated, adding that the aircraft deployment marks a new phase of the “Dream of a Nation” campaign. To ensure seamless fan experience in Doha, UAEFA has also deployed on-ground support teams to assist fans at airports, ports, and stadiums. Additional arrangements include:
- Transport from airport to stadium and back
- Provision of meals
- Distribution of team merchandise and cheering gear
“Dream of a Nation” travel packages, ticketing, and fan support
The October 4 announcement builds on earlier steps taken by UAEFA to mobilize fan presence in Qatar. Back on September 17, the federation had rolled out detailed travel and ticketing plans, including both free and paid travel packages. Free Packages: Covered full round-trip flights, hotel accommodation, match tickets, and meals. Paid Packages: Available through three authorized travel agencies, fans could choose between:
- Same-day round-trip flight with match entry
- Round-trip with match entry plus one-night hotel stay
The Millennium Al Sadd Hotel in Doha was designated as a central hub for free match ticket distribution for Emirati fans. Additionally, UAEFA launched a dedicated online platform to answer fan queries and streamline logistics related to travel, tickets, and stay. A Fan Support Team was also established to provide logistical and moral assistance, helping fans navigate airport transfers, stadium access, and on-site coordination. This coordinated campaign runs under the banner of “Dream of a Nation”, designed not only to boost team morale but also to demonstrate nationwide support for The Whites in their quest for World Cup qualification.
Ajman royal arranges private jet for UAE fans
It is worthy to mention that on September 22, the campaign received a boost from Ajman’s Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, who arranged an additional private jet to fly fans to Doha. His gesture, widely appreciated, was aimed at uplifting team morale and reinforcing national support through tangible action. The UAEFA’s Secretary-General specifically praised Sheikh Rashid’s contribution, along with support from Shabab Al Ahli Club and Tiger Group, stating that such initiatives act as powerful motivators for both the players and the public. Furthermore, UAEFA President Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan had earlier issued a call to the public to stand behind the national team during this decisive journey, urging fans to actively participate and support Al Abyad in Doha. Collaborations between clubs, media outlets, former and current players, institutions, sponsors, and government entities have been instrumental in shaping the success of the “Dream of a Nation” campaign. The campaign is seen as a vital bridge between national pride and sporting ambition.
