UAE prepares quest for third Arabian Gulf Cup title against Yemen

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates kick off their 27th Arabian Gulf Cup journey against Yemen in Jeddah on Thursday, embarking on a fresh chapter under Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic. The Group B clash at Alinma Stadium, sometimes called King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, marks Dalic's inaugural major tournament fixture since assuming the UAE reins in August.

The 59-year-old coach boasts rich international experience, having led Croatia to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final and the semi-finals four years later. Dalic possesses a wealth of seasoned players at his disposal, with captain and goalkeeper Khalid Eisa among them. Sultan Adel, Fabio de Lima, Ali Saleh, and Hareb Abdulla make up his attacking contingent, while Guilherme Da Silva and Yuri Cesar provide additional offensive firepower after their impressive performances for Shabab Al Ahli.

The UAE find themselves in Group B alongside Yemen, Qatar, and Bahrain, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Kuwait comprise Group A. The UAE have clinched the Gulf Cup title twice, in 2007 and 2013, and are aiming for their third in Saudi Arabia. A notable difference exists between the UAE side that participated in the Asian Games 2026 in Japan—an Under-23 team eliminated after finishing at the bottom of its group—and the senior professional national team Dalic now commands.

For Dalic, the tournament presents the maiden competitive trial of his UAE coaching plans, beginning with a Yemen side that has yet to win the Gulf Cup.