From Al Dhafra road trips to Asian title nights: My 16 years as the voice of UAE football
The date of October 22, 2010, might not mean much to the vast majority of UAE football fans, but it was a significant one all the same – especially for me. It was on that date that the first English language commentary of the Pro League was broadcast. Al Jazira beat Al Wasl 3-1 at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Why is that date so important to me? Because I had the privilege of doing…
October 22, 2010, marked a pivotal moment in UAE football history – the broadcast of the first English language commentary of the Pro League. Al Jazira triumphed over Al Wasl 3-1 at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with the reporter relishing the opportunity to commentate that maiden match. However, due to personal circumstances, the reporter will not be behind the microphone for domestic action during the 2026/27 season, a fact they are still coming to terms with.
Though the 16-year tenure as the voice of UAE football has been filled with cherished memories, including lengthy drives to Al Dhafra in the far southwest of the country, the reporter cherishes the simple joys, such as the pigeons nesting above the commentary box that cooed each time the home team scored.
Over the years, the league has witnessed changes, with clubs continuing to favor Brazilian players, and an increasing number of foreign players settling in and becoming Emirati citizens. This shift has significantly impacted the national men's team, fostering a greater sense of national pride. An example of this newfound integration is Mackenzie Hunt's debut in the Pro League in 2024, having been schooled at DESS in Dubai.
The UAE's men's team, despite numerous false dawns and coach changes, has remained an obsession for the reporter. The arrival of Croatian Zlatko Dalic as the new coach signifies their latest attempt to reach the World Cup finals, a goal they have yet to achieve. The reporter's career has also seen the UAE's golden generation, which accomplished qualification for the 2012 Olympic Games and won the Arabian Gulf Cup the following year in Bahrain.
The reporter's most memorable moments include the UAE's narrow win over Qatar, their domination in Asian competition, and the triumphs of Al Ain and Sharjah in Asian football tournaments. These victories, particularly Al Ain's Champions League victory in 2023/24 and Sharjah's success in the Champions League 2 the following season, remain unforgettable experiences for the reporter.
Looking ahead, the reporter acknowledges the importance of embracing the diverse expatriate population and the expanding coverage of football in the UAE. Now, fans from around the world can watch every match of every round of the Adnoc Pro League with English commentary, highlights, analysis shows, and pitch-side interviews featuring former players, including former midfielder Ibrahim Diaky.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
