The pride of Abu Dhabi: All about Al Jazira FC
Football is among the most popular sports in the UAE and Al Jazira FC is one of its biggest and most supported clubs. Founded in 1974, the club competes at the top end of the ADNOC Pro League and features regularly in the Asian Champions League. Let’s find out more about this historic football club.
ABOUT AL JAZIRA FC
Al Jazira Football Club was formed as a result of the merger between Al Khalidiyah Club and Al Bateen Club. The club play their home matches in the 37,000 seater Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium. Known as “The Pride of Abu Dhabi”, other than football, the club has seven other professional sports teams.
One of the reasons the club has mass support is because of their home-grown talent. Its academy is considered one of the best in the region. All-time record goalscorer for the UAE national team, Ali Mabkhout, is the most prominent and celebrated graduate. Legendary forward George Weah is among the list of glittering superstars who have represented Al Jazira Football Club.
The club has won multiple accolades, including:
- The Federation Cup
- The Gulf Clubs Championship
- The Etisalat Cup
- The Arabian Gulf League (2011 and 2017)
- President’s Cup (2011, 2012 and 2016)
- Fourth place finish at the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup
FIRST TEAM
The reins of the first team are in the hands of Romanian coach Mirel Rădoi. Here is a look at the first team of the club.
- Ali Khaseif – Goalkeeper
- Abdulrahman Al Ameri – Goalkeeper
- Rakan Al Menhali – Goalkeeper
- Mohamed Al Attas – Defence
- Khalifa Al Hammadi – Defence
- Karim Rekik – Defence
- Abdulla Al Attas – Defence
- Abdullah Idrees – Defence
- Zayed Sultan – Defence
- Chahine Van Bohemen – Defence
- Khalfan Mubarak – Midfield
- Abdullah Ramadan – Midfield
- Mamadou Coulibaly – Midfield
- Fernando Lucas – Midfield
- Ahmed Mahmoud – Midfield
- Alejandro Pozuelo – Midfield
- Omar Traori – Midfield
- Ali Mabkhout – Forward
- Zayed Al Ameri – Forward
- Bruno Conceicao – Forward
- Ahmed Al Attas – Forward
- Neeskens Kebano – Forward
- Ahmed Fawzi – Forward
MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED STADIUM
Also called the Glory stadium, it was built in 1980. After expansion in 2009, its capacity grew to 37,000 seats making it the second-largest football stadium in the country.
The facility has hosted some iconic tournaments, including matches of 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship, 2009 FIFA Club World Cup, 2010 FIFA Club World Cup and the AFC Cup of Nations 2019.
The stadium offers a host of facilities including:
- Three dressing rooms
- Clinic
- Health club and gym
- Press conference room
- Media workstation
- Anti-doping centre
- Three TV studios
- VIP cabins
- VIP lounge
- Special majlis
- VVIP’s Area
- Commentary booths
- Control room
CLUB FACILITIES
Beyond football, the club offers many sporting facilities.
MUBADALA DOME
Built in 1992, Mubadala Dome hosts handball, basketball, volleyball, and Jiu Jitsu training sessions and matches. It has been the venue for multiple events including the Gulf Cup of Nations for Handball in 2015, Abu Dhabi International Handball Tournament in 2019 and Al Jazira 2nd International Handball Tournament in 2014.
AL JAZIRA ACADEMY
The Academy was established in 2004 with a vision to take talented youngsters on board and give them sporting and academic training. It is the only academy in the country to have a school curriculum. The main aim is to graduate skilled footballers who can serve the club as well as the UAE. With this in consideration, nine creation centres and schools have been established in different areas of the capital.
FAQS
HOW CAN I BUY OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE OF AL JAZIRA FC?
Al Jazira FC official store is the place to buy official merchandise. You can do it online or at the stadium.
CAN I ENROL MY CHILD IN THE AL JAZIRA FC ACADEMY?
Yes, Al Jazira Private Academy is open for all boys and girls aged 4 to 18 years. You can register via the official website or call them at +971-50-481-0382.
Locations:
- Al Maryah Island: Hamdan bin Mohammed Street, Al Maryah Island
- Zayed City: Behind Abu Dhabi University, Al Ain Road, Zayed City
WHICH ARE THE TOP FOOTBALL CLUBS IN DUBAI?
Checkout our blog on the top football clubs in Dubai to acquaint yourself to the football landscape in the emirate.
WHICH ARE THE MAIN FOOTBALL TOURNAMENTS IN THE UAE?
Here is a look at the most popular football tournaments in the UAE.
Al Jazira FC is one of the biggest clubs, not just in the UAE but of the region. With its academy, it is nurturing young talent that will serve the country well in the long run. You can attend a match in the stadium to watch a mix of exciting home-grown talents and some top foreign imports.
