If you’re anything like the team here at Time Out Dubai, you likely caught the football fever during the summer months. Venues throughout the city buzzed with excitement as Euro 2024 captivated fans, culminating in Spain’s triumphant run to yet another championship title. However, for the many expatriate football enthusiasts residing in the UAE, nothing quite compares to the thrill of witnessing a match live in a stadium. Fortunately, the UAE boasts one of the premier football leagues in Asia, offering drama, suspense, and exceptional skill.
In Dubai, we have three major club teams, while the reigning champions of the Asian Champions League are based in the capital. Whether your home team has been underperforming and you’re seeking a fresh allegiance, or you were enthralled by the summer’s action and crave more football, you have made an excellent decision by immersing yourself in live UAE football. Here’s everything you need to know about the three prominent Dubai teams as the league kicks off this weekend.
Al Nasr
Who Are They?
Founded in 1945, Al Nasr holds the title of the oldest football club in the UAE. This team is perfect for fans who appreciate historically significant clubs, even if they haven’t enjoyed recent success. Al Nasr has not claimed the top league title since the 1980s, long before it was renamed the UAE Pro League. Nevertheless, the club has celebrated victories in various national cup competitions and has made a few memorable appearances in the Asian Champions League over the past decade.
Last season, Al Nasr finished 6th in the 14-team league, just three points shy of 4th place Sharjah, which secured the final Asian Champions League spot. The team dons a striking blue home kit, so fans of Celtic and Manchester United may need to consider a different allegiance. For Premier League enthusiasts, there are a few standout players on the roster, including the brilliant Moroccan playmaker Adel Taarabt, the creative Italian striker Manolo Gabbiadini, and former Dutch international midfielder Leroy Fer.
Where to Go
Al Nasr’s home matches take place at the 15,000-capacity Al Maktoum Stadium, located in the Oud Metha area, just a short walk from Oud Metha Metro station and Oud Metha Bus Station. If you choose to drive, parking is available near the stadium, but expect congestion on match days.
What to Eat:
There are several delightful dining options nearby, including Rushour Grill for Indian flavors and Charcoal Shawarma for delicious shawarma.
Tickets
Tickets for Al Nasr matches start at just Dhs20 and can frequently be purchased through Platinum List’s dedicated site for the UAE Pro League. Al Nasr kicks off their season against Al Orooba in Fujairah on Friday evening, with their first home match against Bani Yas of Abu Dhabi scheduled for Thursday, August 29.
Al Wasl
Who Are They?
¡Championes, championes, Olé, Olé, Olé! Al Wasl reigns as the defending champions of the UAE Pro League, having led the league since week seven last season. The club boasts a passionate fan base, including the first ultras group in the Gulf, making it the ideal choice for those seeking an electrifying atmosphere akin to that of Europe’s largest teams. Key fixtures include the Bur Dubai derby against Al Nasr and the “UAE Classico” against Al Ain, the reigning champions of Asia from Abu Dhabi.
Look out for standout players like Brazil-born forward Fábio Lima, who represents the UAE at the international level, and the agile half-Scottish, half-Emirati winger Ali Saleh. Swiss international Haris Seferovic strikes a formidable partnership with Lima, while young Ivorian Jean N’Guessan injects vitality into the midfield. Notably, the legendary Diego Maradona once coached Al Wasl for a season in 2011, although his tenure on the pitch was less than stellar.
Where to Go
Al Wasl plays their home matches at the 8,439-capacity Zabeel Stadium, situated in the Za’abeel neighborhood. If you’re relying on public transport, the best option is taking bus number 44 from Al Rashidiya Bus Station, which stops right outside the stadium. The nearest Metro stations, Creek and Al Jaddaf, require a bit of walking. Additionally, there is parking available on Al Ain Road surrounding the stadium, where Al Wasl will eventually transition into a new stadium currently being constructed.
What to Eat
Don’t miss the chance to savor a shawarma at Mama Fouz, or if you’re in the mood for something more substantial, head over to Shrimp Pot Seafood next door.
Tickets
Tickets for Al Wasl matches also start from just Dhs20 and can be found on Platinum List’s special site for the UAE Pro League. They will kick off their title defense away at Al-Ittihad Kalba in Sharjah at 8:30 PM on Friday, August 23, with their first home match occurring on Thursday, August 29, at 5:55 PM against Dibba Al Hisn from Sharjah.
Shabab Al Ahli
Who Are They?
As last season’s runners-up, Shabab Al Ahli is historically the most successful team from Dubai, holding a record of eight Pro League titles, with their most recent victory coming in the 22/23 season. The club was formed in 2017 through a merger of the existing Al Ahli club, Dubai CSC, and Al Shabab, which led to the rebranding of Al Ahli as Shabab Al Ahli.
The squad includes several recognizable names for European fans, such as Mu’nas Dabbur, a frequent adversary of the Scotland national team. English Premier League enthusiasts will recognize Serbian midfielder Luka Milivojević, who often took penalties for Crystal Palace. This season, look for Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun, a former player for Roma and Bayer Leverkusen, to line up alongside Dabbur. The squad also features several naturalized foreign players who have obtained Emirati citizenship, including ex-Valencia playmaker Fede Cartabia.
Where to Go
Shabab Al Ahli hosts their matches at Rashid Stadium in Al Qusais. If you’ve ever wondered about the stadium referenced by the Stadium Metro station, this is it! The stadium has a capacity of 12,000 and often hosts rugby matches as well. Shabab Al Ahli will also be moving to a new, larger stadium in the future. The venue is conveniently located next to the Metro, and you can also reach it via bus on the 17, 64, C18, or X28 lines. There is also parking available nearby at the RTA Parking station.
What to Eat
Nearby dining options include South Indian cuisine at Salkara, fried chicken at SFC, and vegetarian dishes at Aryaas.
Tickets
Tickets for Shabab Al Ahli matches start at just Dhs20 and can be purchased through Platinum List’s dedicated site for the UAE Pro League. They will commence their season at home against Al Bataeh from Sharjah on Saturday at 6 PM.
Other Things to Do in Dubai
Dubai’s 10 Best Sports Bars, with Great Beverages and Tasty Food
Catch all the major games at these fantastic sports bars in Dubai.
Dubai Happy Hours 2024: Best Bar Deals, Offers, and Discounts
Looking for cheap drinks every night of the week? You’ve come to the right place!
Dubai Ladies’ Night List 2024: Absolutely Brilliant Deals, Offers, and Discounts
Gather your girlfriends for a fabulous night out on the town!
