The Football Association have called on UAE residents to get behind the national team for Thursday’s World Cup 2022 qualifier against Indonesia in Dubai.
Bert van Marwijk’s side face the Southeast Asians at Al Maktoum Stadium after opening Group G last month with a 2-1 victory against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. They then take on Thailand in Bangkok five days later.
Tickets for Thursday begin at Dh20, with the FA working closely with Arabian Gulf League clubs to build upon the promising levels of attendance during the opening rounds of this season's UAE top flight.
Transport to the 15,000-capacity Al Maktoum Stadium will be provided by the respective clubs, while the number of marshals onsite on Thursday has been increased to meet demand.
The FA were keen to emphasise that the UAE’s large expatriate population will be encouraged to attend the match and offer their support.
“We do welcome everybody,” said Mohammed Hazzam Al Dhaheri, the FA general secretary. “We have approached a lot of the expat clubs and told them ‘This is your team today’, because we’re all living together in the country and, also, this is the Year of Tolerance. We want to let them know it’s time for them to attend and that they’re most welcome.
“A big crowd definitely helps the team in what is a very important match. I know that and I’m sure the players feel that way, so they will do their best in the stadium. For us, we’ve done everything we can. Now it’s their time to put a smile on everyone’s faces.
“I’m sure everyone will leave the stadium happy. This is our first match of this qualification taking place in the UAE and it will be a big challenge – Southeast Asian teams have improved a lot – but I hope we will make it a success, on the pitch and off it.”
