Image Nation, which is currently producing a documentary about the UAE football team’s historic qualification for the 1990 World Cup in Italy, is asking those who remember the adventures to share their memories.
Mohammed Al Mubarak, the chairman of Image Nation (which is owned by The National's parent company Abu Dhabi Media), has got the ball rolling with his own recollections. "I was 8 years old when we played and we were all proud and very happy," he says. "I remember when we knew that the UAE had qualified to play for the World Cup, all we did was play football for the rest of the week, and with every goal we scored, we screamed: 'We're going to Rome.' Emiratis and UAE residents alike were so proud – these were their players who they used to see every day," says Al Mubarak. "Just like any Image Nation film, we always make sure it tells a great story and this is one of the best in UAE sporting history. Before the 1990 World Cup, no one knew about the UAE team outside the region – this team gave a great performance and qualified for the World Cup, scoring against tough teams, making all of us proud. We need to share this story with the younger generation."
The movie is being helmed by the creative producer Stevan Riley (Fire in Babylon) and will combine archive footage, interviews and new on-location shots, including taking members of the 1990 squad to the current World Cup in Brazil.
• Share your memories on Image Nation’s Facebook page (Image Nation Abu Dhabi), on Twitter @UAEWorldCupFilm, or by emailing UAEWorldCupFilm@gmail.com
cnewbould@thenational.ae