Al Jazira to begin title defence against Al Dhafra

The UAE Pro League conducted the 2021-22 Arabian Gulf League (AGL) and Arabian Gulf Cup draw at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR Hotel on Wednesday.

Attending the draw were UAE Pro League Chairman Abdulla Naser Al Jneibi, UAEPL board members, representatives of official authorities, partners, and club representatives. Media representatives and a number of guests of honor were also in attendance.

The draw started with the Arabian Gulf Cup, with the participation of the three guests of honour. The competition, which kicks off on Oct.15, will see AGL champions Al Jazira and Arabian Gulf Cup titleholders Shabab Al Ahli receive a bye to the quarter-finals.

The draw saw Ittihad Kalba pitted against Al Orooba in the qualifying round of the Arabian Gulf Cup, with the winner set to face Al Jazira in the quarter-final. Al Ain will clash with Emirates Club, and the winner will lock horns in the quarter-final with the winner between Bani Yas and Al Wasl.

Sharjah will clash with Ajman, and the winner will face Shabab Al Ahli in the quarter-final. Al Nasr will face Al Dhafra, with the winner set to play in the quarter-final against the winner between Al Wahda and Khorfakkan.

AGL to kick off on Aug.19: Next up was the turn of the AGL, set to kick off on Aug.19. The draw was conducted through the smart match scheduling system for the first time in an initiative that aligns with the UAE’s technological advancement and the UAEPL’s 2020-2030 strategic plan. The innovative system proved successful as the draw was conducted quickly and smoothly, according to the approved technical procedures.

Scheduled for Aug.19 and 20, Matchweek 1 of the AGL will see titleholders Al Jazira get their campaign underway against Al Dhafra. The opening matchweek will also see Emirates Club host Shabab Al Ahli, Al Orooba welcome Al Wahda, Al Nasr travel to face Ajman, Khorfakkan host Al Ain, Al Wasl travel to face Bani Yas, and Sharjah host Ittihad Kalba.

The draw ceremony witnessed honoring a number of important and inspirational figures, including late UAE international Salem Saad, late media figure Emad Othman, and former player Ahmed Al Akberi who continues to inspire everyone after recovering from injury following a serious accident. Although Akberi no longer plays football, he will always remain a part of Emirati football.  

UAE Pro League board member and Chairman of Technical Committee Hassan Taleb Al Marri honored Seif, son of late player Salem Saad while UAEPL board member Mohammed Obaid Al Yamahi honored Amr, son of media figure Emad Othman. Jneibi honored former UAE Olympic team and Al Wahda player Akberi.

QR code schedule: The UAEPL shared a QR code on the screen that attendees can scan with their phones, bringing them directly to the fixtures schedule.

The initiative provided attendees and media representatives with easy and quick access to the schedule on their mobile phones and avoided paper usage in line with the precautionary measures. The schedule is also available on the UAE Pro League social media platforms and official website.

Jneibi hoped the draw ceremony would mark a stepping-stone to the success of the 2021-22 season. He added that the new season comes with new challenges and big aspirations, as we seek to achieve more successes after an exceptional season, which was marked by several achievements.