UAE leaders have shared their congratulations with Saudi Arabia over their successful World Cup bid.
President Sheikh Mohamed praised the kingdom after it became the sole nation bidding to host the 2034 Fifa World Cup.
Football Australia announced on Tuesday that it would not submit a bid to host the tournament, a move made hours before the deadline.
“Wishing the kingdom of Saudi Arabia success and prosperity as it undertakes the hosting of the 2034 Fifa World Cup,” Sheikh Mohamed said on Tuesday.
“Guided by the visionary leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom relentlessly pursues development and prosperity.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said he expects Saudi Arabia's hosting of the tournament to be even more successful than Qatar, which he said “excelled” in its hosting of the 2022 event.
“Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2034 World Cup is an Arab victory, a new Gulf success and a Saudi triumph that affirms the kingdom's global standing,” he wrote on social media.
“Qatar excelled in hosting the World Cup and we expect that Saudi Arabia will host the best edition in the history of the tournament.
“With such international occasions, the region rises, grows and prospers, and we are optimistic about achieving the vision of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for the region to become the 'New Europe'.
“All the best to our brothers in the kingdom under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his faithful Crown Prince.”
Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said the country was dropping out of the running because it was “difficult to compete” with the kingdom.
“Saudi is a strong bid. They've got a lot of resources. Their government is prioritising investment in football and I think that's difficult to compete with,” he said.
Saudi Arabia may not be confirmed as World Cup hosts until a Fifa congress takes place late next year.
A Fifa statement said the governing body “will conduct a target dialogue” to ensure any bid meets the minimum hosting requirements approved by the Fifa Council.
The 2026 finals will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico, with the 2030 finals expected to head to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, including some matches in South America – subject to approval by Fifa's congress.
Saudi Arabia confirmed on October 4 that it would bid for the tournament in 2034.
Royals at the Fifa World Cup in Qatar – in pictures
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Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed are welcomed to Doha by Qatar's Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani. Photo: Government of Dubai Media Office -
Qatar's former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with King Abdullah II of Jordan during the opening game between Qatar and Ecuador. AFP -
Emir Sheikh Tamim waves to the crowd as he arrives with Fifa president Gianni Infantino. AFP -
King Abdullah II of Jordan at the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 opening ceremony. Getty -
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi as they are welcomed by Emir Sheikh Tamim. AFP -
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Photo: Press Office of the Presidency of Turkey / AFP
