UAE President congratulates Saudi Arabia on winning Arabian Gulf Cup

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated Saudi Arabia after the hosts ended a 22-year wait for another Arabian Gulf Cup title on October 6.

Saudi Arabia defeated the UAE 2-0 in the final in Jeddah to lift the Gulf Cup trophy.

Sheikh Mohamed Praises Saudi Arabia

Following the final, Sheikh Mohamed congratulated Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi people on the victory.

He also praised the sportsmanship displayed by both teams during the final and congratulated Saudi Arabia on successfully hosting the tournament.

The UAE President wished the country continued success in future sporting competitions.

Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan also congratulated Saudi Arabia on winning the tournament.

He praised the UAE national team for representing the country with determination, distinction and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Saudi Arabia Take Early Control

Saudi Arabia made a fast start in the final and took the lead in the 11th minute.

Saudi winger Hammam Al Hammami opened the scoring with a deflected effort from the edge of the box.

Just two minutes later, Feras Al Brikan doubled the hosts' advantage with a close-range finish, putting Saudi Arabia firmly in control of the match.

The UAE were unable to find a way back as Saudi Arabia secured a 2-0 victory and celebrated another Gulf Cup triumph.

UAE Impress Under Zlatko Dalic

Despite the final defeat, the UAE produced an encouraging tournament under new head coach Zlatko Dalic.

The Whites began their Group B campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory over Yemen before defeating Bahrain 3-0.

They then finished the group stage with a 1-1 draw against Qatar.

The UAE advanced to the final after beating Oman 1-0 in the semifinal, setting up a showdown with hosts Saudi Arabia.

UAE Turn Focus to Asian Cup

With the Gulf Cup campaign now over, the UAE will shift their attention to the 2027 Asian Cup, which will also be hosted by Saudi Arabia.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from January 7 to February 5, giving Dalic and his squad another major opportunity to build on their progress and compete on the continental stage.