Tonight is the night UAE football has been waiting eight years for. The national team face hosts Saudi Arabia in the final of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah, with kick-off at 10pm UAE time (9pm in Saudi Arabia) at Alinma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City.

The UAE reached this stage with a 1-0 semi-final win over Oman, decided by Ousmane Camara. Saudi Arabia came through the other semi-final on penalties after a goalless draw with Qatar, according to WE News English. It is the UAE’s first Gulf Cup final appearance since 2018, and a win would give the country a third title, after the triumphs in 2007 and 2013 reported by SceneNow.

Final details at a glance

  • Match: Saudi Arabia vs UAE, Gulf Cup 27 final
  • Date and time: Tuesday, October 6, 10pm UAE time
  • Venue: Alinma Stadium, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
  • Broadcast options listed for the region include Abu Dhabi Sports, Sharjah Sports and Shahid, per Foot Africa
Football stadium floodlights over a packed stand before a night final
Alinma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City hosts the final, kick-off 10pm UAE time.

How the two finalists got here

Saudi Arabia topped their group with a perfect record before holding their nerve in the semi-final shoot-out. The UAE’s route ran through a group campaign and that single-goal win over Oman. The head-to-head history favours the hosts over the decades, which is exactly why an away win tonight would rank among the UAE’s biggest Gulf Cup nights. Fans should expect a tight game: Saudi Arabia have built their run on defensive discipline, while the UAE have scored freely earlier in the tournament.

Watching from the UAE, and travelling fans

Twelve chartered aircraft laid on by the UAE Football Association have carried supporters to Jeddah, with the association covering match tickets for travelling fans. Those who flew independently on scheduled services were also able to claim free tickets, the federation said on X. If you are watching from home, sports venues across Dubai and Abu Dhabi usually put national-team finals on big screens — arrive early, as a 10pm kick-off on a working night still draws a crowd.

Combining the final with a short break? Our Dubai International Airport guide, hotels near DXB and where to stay in Dubai pages cover the practical side, and the free things to do in Dubai list helps fill the days after the match.

Supporters in UAE colours boarding a flight at an airport departure hall
Twelve UAEFA charter aircraft carried supporters to Jeddah for the final.

FAQs

What time does the Gulf Cup final kick off in the UAE?

10pm UAE time on Tuesday, October 6, which is 9pm local time in Jeddah.

Where is the final being played?

At Alinma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

How did the UAE reach the final?

With a 1-0 semi-final win over Oman, scored by Ousmane Camara.

When did the UAE last win the Gulf Cup?

The UAE have won the tournament twice, in 2007 and 2013, and this is their first final since 2018.

Where can I watch the final in the UAE?

Regional listings include Abu Dhabi Sports and Sharjah Sports, plus streaming options such as Shahid. Check your provider’s schedule on the day.