Soccer in the Middle East has become a real craze. On the eve of the first ever World Cup in the region and with Saudi Arabia's interest in the 2030 edition, its neighbors in the United Arab Emirates are looking to get in on the act.
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council has sent two delegations to Spain to visit Madrid and Barcelona with the aim of learning from the Spanish sporting model, which has transformed its football over the past 25 years.
UAE looking to improve their sporting profile
In addition to visiting LaLiga clubs such as Leganes and Atletico Madrid, receiving master classes from renowned coaches such as Victor Sanchez del Amo and others, the UAE delegation also visited the facilities of the Spanish Football Federation in Las Rozas.
The UAE is ranked 70th in the FIFA ranking and aims to return to the World Cup in 2026 in what would be their second participation after debuting in 1990.
Back in Italy they were drawn in a tough group with Colombia, eventual winners Germany and Yugoslavia, losing all three matches.
On Wednesday they lost 5-0 to Argentina in the final pre-tournament match for Lionel Scaloni's charges.