ABU DHABI // Two planeloads of Emirati football fans will head to Saudi Arabia on Thursday courtesy of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, gave the go-ahead for the fans to cheer on their team in person as they play Iraq in the final Group B match of the Gulf Cup of Nations.
Thursday’s game will be make or break for the UAE team, who are currently on two points. Should they lose or draw, they may be eliminated.
This is not the first time local fans have been flown to away games, nor the first time they have been flown to away games featuring the same two teams. In January last year, thousands of Emiratis from across the country flew to Bahrain to see the UAE take on Iraq in the Gulf Cup final. Six planes also carried fans to the semi-final that year, where the UAE faced Kuwait.
Those making the latest trip will register their details at the UAE Football Association’s headquarters, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, before boarding flights from both emirates at 2pm.
Buses will also be provided to take fans to and from the stadium.
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