The UAE Football Association will arrange six special flights to take supporters to Jeddah free of charge for the national team’s Gulf Cup final against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, October 6.

The flights are intended to transport tens of thousands of fans to Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, where the UAE will face the hosts in the decisive Khaleeji 27 match. Kick-off is scheduled for 10pm UAE time.

UAEFA announced the initiative on Sunday, October 4, saying that a registration link for seats on the special flights would go live at 1pm the same day. The move will allow supporters to travel to Saudi Arabia and back the Whites as they pursue another regional title.

UAE return to final after Oman win

The UAE secured their place in the final with a 1-0 victory over Oman on Saturday. Forward Ousmane Camara scored the only goal of the semi-final, heading in from close range.

The result sent Zlatko Dalic’s side into a Gulf Cup final for the first time since 2018. The UAE are aiming to win the competition for a third time, having previously lifted the trophy in 2007 and 2013.

Speaking after the Oman match, Dalic pointed to the impact of changes made after his side missed a penalty.

“After we missed the penalty, of course we changed three players. We put in new guys, they brought something new to the team and the game, more energy, and changed the rhythm,” Dalic said.

“But we never gave up. I told my players, we worked hard for the last 20 days for what? For this night, for this game.”

Saudi Arabia advance on penalties

Saudi Arabia reached the final after defeating Asian champions Qatar 3-2 in a penalty shootout. Their semi-final had ended 0-0 after 120 minutes.

The final will now bring the UAE and Saudi Arabia together in Jeddah, with UAE supporters expected to travel on the specially arranged flights to support the team.