United Arab Emirates (UAE) top-flight football is ready for kickoff as the eagerly anticipated 2023-2024 season gets underway this week. The ADNOC Pro League is set to begin on 18th of August, followed by the ADIB Cup, the country’s cup competition, scheduled to commence on the 30th of August.

The opening fixtures start with an enthralling face-off between Al Wahda and Al Bataeh, while on the same night Ittihad Kalba and Sharjah will ignite their season.

Reigning champions Shabab Al Ahli are up against Ajman, while last season’s runners up, Al Ain begin their campaign against Bani Yas.

Other notable fixtures:

• Khorfakkan v Hatta
• Al Wasl v Emirates
• Al Nasr v Al Jazira

Significant preseason transfers

The competitive landscape of the UAE Pro League is epitomised by the notable player transfers and club changes during the summer period. Here is an overview of some of the key players with new teams to look out for:

Andres Iniesta: An iconic player in an emerging team, Iniesta has joined Emirates Club.

Alejandro Romero: Al Ain FC welcomes Alejandro Romero, a seasoned talent contributing to the club’s roster.

Karim Rekik: Al Jazira FC has secured the services of Karim Rekik, bolstering their ranks with his versatile abilities.

M. Ben Arabi: Sharjah FC benefits from the addition of M. Ben Arabi, enhancing their potential to perform to a greater level.

Nicolas Gimenez: Al Wasl embraces Nicolas Gimenez, a player of notable proficiency who promises to elevate the team’s performance.

A summer of managerial turnover

A notable portion of the clubs in the league decided it was time for a change of manager for the new season.

Frank de Boer: Al Jazira’s acquisition of seasoned coach Frank de Boer introduces a wealth of experience to the club. His prior engagements with renowned clubs like Ajax, Inter Milan, Crystal Palace, and the Netherlands national team underscore his coaching acumen.

Alfred Schreuder: Al Ain FC, last year’s league runners-up, have enlisted Alfred Schreuder to lead their campaign. Schreuder’s coaching pedigree includes affiliations with prestigious clubs such as Ajax, Hoffenheim, and Twente FC.

Pitso Mosimane: With a diverse coaching background spanning countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and South Africa, Pitso Mosimane’s tenure promises to be intriguing. Al Wahda Club’s quest for a long-sought championship aligns with his coaching expertise.

Cosmin Olaroiu: Coach Cosmin Olaroiu, having triumphed in numerous UAE tournaments, seeks to secure the league championship that has eluded him. His extensive experience and deep understanding of UAE football underpin his resolute ambition and knowledge to succeed in this league.

Celebrating excellence: UAE Pro League award ceremony

The prelude to the forthcoming season was marked by the prestigious UAE Pro League Award Ceremony on August 10th.

This event served as a platform to acknowledge exceptional performances of the preceding year and honor individuals who demonstrated remarkable feats during last season. Noteworthy honorees include:

• Ali Mabkhout: Al Jazira’s Ali Mabkhout, lauded as the ADNOC Pro League All-Time Top Scorer, was awarded the Golden Ball for Best Emirati Player.
• Federico Cartabia: Shabab Al Ahli’s Federico Cartabia received the Golden Ball for Best Foreign Player, reflecting his impactful contributions.
• Soufian Rahimi: Al Ain’s Soufian Rahimi was honored with the Fans’ Player of the Year, capturing hearts with his standout performances.
• Romanian Olăroiu Cosmin: The esteemed strategist of Sharjah FC, Olăroiu Cosmin, was crowned Best Coach, earning the coveted Leader Award.
• Adel Al Hosani: Sharjah’s goalkeeper Adel Al Hosani secured the prestigious Golden Glove, emblematic of goalkeeping excellence.
• Fabio De Lima: Al Wasl’s Fabio De Lima’s extraordinary goal was recognized with the Goal of the Year accolade.
• Harib Suhail: Rising star Harib Suhail from Shabab Al Ahli clinched the Golden Boy for Best U23 Emirati Player.
• Erik Jorgens: Al Ain’s Erik Jorgens secured Golden Boy for Best Player (Resident/Born), affirming their burgeoning talents.

As the 2023/24 UAE Pro League season beckons and scripts waiting to be written, The Playbook will be on hands to report what looks set to be an enthralling season in top flight UAE football.