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United Arab Emirates

This page is a quick snapshot of the status of Australian Football in United Arab Emirates. For further information, browse our news items or use the search facility. If you wish to contact football officials from the country, please search our site for links to their leagues or clubs, including in our Atlas. If unsuccessful, we can normally assist with putting people in touch.

Approx population (2009):  4.8 million  

National side:  Heat  

Governing body:  None  

Primary contact / link:   AFL Middle East

WFN Census (2004):  N/A  

WFN World Ranking (2008):  N/A  

History:  The United Arab Emirates is without question Australian Football's heart in the Middle East. Football arrived in the country in 2006, with the formation of the Dubai Dingoes. The Dingoes have held an annual 9-a-side tournament called the Dubai 9s since 2007, which has drawn clubs from across the region and has been instrumental in the establishment of new clubs. The Dubai Heat was born shortly after the Dingoes, and the two have been strong rivals since. The Heat are without question the most successful Middle Eastern club; they are the only club to win the Dubai 9s, they won the inaugural AFL Middle East season last year and have even raised eyebrows in Asia, winning the Asian Championships. Dubai was also the home of a Preseason match between Collingwood and Adelaide in early 2008. In March 2008 the Abu Dhabi Falcons formed in the country's capital. The Falcons regularly draw big numbers to training and have a local on their list. Just prior to the inaugural AFL Middle East season Dubai became home to a third club; the Dragons. All four Emirati clubs are founding members of AFL Middle East.  

Outlook (2009):  Rumours just prior to the 2009-10 AFL Middle East season suggested another Abu Dhabi club is not too far off, although current financial difficulties in Dubai has the potential to threaten established clubs in the country.  

Other points of interest:  -  

Last Updated: Tuesday, March 23 2010 @ 06:07 pm ACDT| Hits: 4,314