Soccer in Abu Dhabi Now
2018 FIFA Club World Cup is the 15th edition of the FIFA Club World Cup and from 12-22 December, six continentals’ champions and host team Al Ain FC will clash in eight competitive matches across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain to crown the best club side on the planet.
The excitement for the world’s favorite sport grows in the USA and after the outstanding 2018 MLS Cup, our favorite sport has ignited a spark that is claiming new fans in America. While we enjoy a resurgence of enthusiasm for soccer, the sport is rallying fans from all corners of the globe who are descending on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an 11-day festival. The UAE may be 12,000 miles away but shining a spotlight on the power of football to unite and promote friendship, integrity, respect, and sportsmanship is always of interest.
While football will be in focus of these ten days, there will be more than just the beautiful game on display. With immersive fan villages, options for foodies and hassle-free transport to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City is setting the stage to show the world how it celebrates the game.
Their press office sent us a list of the top reasons to attend The FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018, and we wanted to share it with our readers.
TOP REASONS TO ATTEND THE FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP UAE 2018
- JUST THE TICKET – AFFORDABLE ACCESS TO WORLD-CLASS FOOTBALL
The FIFA Club World Cup represents an unmissable opportunity to watch some of the most famous clubs in the world live in action at prices that would be the envy of every home crowd. Tickets start from just AED 25. That means a family of four can catch the top teams battle for the ultimate title of best club in the world for only AED 100. Premium tickets start from AED 500. A perfect gift for the festive season.
- CHEER FOR ‘THE BOSS’
As the host team, Al Ain FC will be flying the flag for the UAE in club football’s global showpiece tournament.
The country’s most decorated side, Al Ain, nicknamed ‘The Boss’, secured a historic Arabian Gulf league and President’s Cup double last season to book their place alongside the best club sides from the six confederations. They are backed by passionate home supporters and would welcome fans from across the UAE and beyond to join them. So, if you’re without a team to support, get behind the local boys and cheer on ‘The Boss’ when they face Team Wellington of New Zealand in the tournament’s opening match on 12 December at the impressive Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
- MORE THAN JUST MATCH DAY
The tournament host cities have more than just football to offer with both destinations home to a diverse range of things to see and do while awaiting kick off.
Abu Dhabi, as the capital of the UAE and the largest of the seven emirates, provides easy access to culture and lifestyle experiences, whether that’s a visit to the Louvre, Abu Dhabi, or the architectural marvel of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, featuring 80 domes, more than 1,000 columns, gold plated chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet, or a visit to the Founder’s Memorial at Abu Dhabi Corniche or many other cultural sites.
For thrill-seekers, Yas Island features three state-of-the-art theme parks and Yas Marina Circuit, while the island is also home to Yas Links, a championship golf course.
Fellow host city Al Ain offers something different as one of the UAE’s greenest regions and home to the country’s highest peak Jebel Hafeet mountain, as well as Green Mubazzarah park, situated at the foot of Jebel Hafeet, featuring natural hot springs and a children’s park. Al Ain Zoo, meanwhile, promises a fun family day out and is home to more than 4,000 animals across 200 species.
- LIVE THE GAME
It’s not just about the games on the field during the tournament. Fans of all ages and abilities can watch tournament highlights, take photos with the championship trophies and test their football skills at the Fan Village on each match day.
The Fan Village features a series of skill-based games based on different player roles on the pitch: Dribbling, Heading, Power, Reflex, Accuracy, Touch, Passing and more. Don’t just watch the game, live the game!
- HASSLE-FREE TRAVEL TO MATCHES
Traffic may be an unavoidable annoyance of everyday life in the UAE, but FIFA Club World Cup organizers have made travel as hassle-free as possible with a Park & Ride service for games at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City. Fans can park their cars in the dedicated parking area at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, then hop aboard one of the shuttle buses to the game.
Ticket holders will be inside the venue within 7 minutes soaking up the atmosphere instead of being stuck in traffic. At Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, shuttles will run from all public parking lots to the stadium entrance 3 hours before the kickoff. Return buses at both locations will take fans back to their cars up to 2 hours after the final matches. Now, that’s a win.
- WATCH THE WORLD’S BEST FOOTBALLER
Come and watch Luka Modric, the recently crowned best male footballer in the world, play in the UAE. Experience a live masterclass as the engine of Real Madrid FC and the Croatian national team’s dramatic run to the World Cup 2018 finals returns to defend the FIFA Club World Cup. Watch the Kings of Europe as they begin their journey to win another world title as they enter at the semi-final stage on 19 December.
- UNIQUE CHANCE TO CATCH THE BEST CLUB SIDES FROM ALL CORNERS
You don’t have to be a football fanatic to realize this is a wonderfully unique opportunity to catch some of the world’s most famous football clubs – LIVE, as six continental club champions and domestic champs Al Ain FC, take the field and put on an exhilarating display of football skills, technique, and style.
With Real Madrid, CD Guadalajara of Mexico, Kashima Antlers of Japan, Esperance de Tunis from Tunisia, and an Argentine club steeped in history set to join the mix – this is one of the strongest line-ups in recent FIFA Club World Cup history.
- WITNESS HISTORY IN THE MAKING
The reigning champions Real Madrid FC, will be back and fight to retain their crown for the third straight year. If Real Madrid lifts the trophy once more, they will be the first-ever team to seal FIFA Cup World Cup victory FOUR times. (2014, 2016, 2017 and maybe….2018)
9. VIBRANT OPTIONS FOR FOODIES:
While you enjoy the games, all the excitement is sure to make you hungry. Both world-class venues will feature a selection of offerings to satisfy any cravings. The best food to complement the best teams!
10. EXPLORE THE WORLD
Really, exploring the world and meeting people who share the same passion for soccer is a good enough reason. Visit FIFA’s info on the host country.
