Fresh chapter in GCC sports: UAE-Qatar Super Cup, Super Shield to kick off soon

The stage is set for the first-ever UAE-Qatar Super Cup, a landmark football event highlighting the collaborative spirit between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, according to the Emirates News Agency. The tournament is expected to kick off in Doha on April 12.

Qatar’s Amir Cup champion Al Arabi and UAE’s President’s Cup winner Sharjah will clash. Meanwhile, the UAE-Qatar Super Cup Shield is slated to begin the next day, featuring a face-off between Emirati and Qatari league champions, Shabab Al Ahli and Al Duhail.

Excitement for UAE-Qatar Super Cup, Super Shield

Officials from both countries gathered at Doha’s Mandarin Oriental on Friday to sign and celebrate the creation of a new chapter in regional sports. The event marked the presence of several renowned sports personalities and representatives from international media.

Abdulla Naser Al Jneibi, UAE Pro League Chairman, and Mohammad Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Vice-President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA), inked the landmark agreement solidifying the commitment to this joint venture.

The announcement comes three years after the signing of the ‘Al-Ula declaration‘ to reconcile ties. In 2017, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, besides Egypt, severed relations with Qatar and imposed a blockade over accusations that it supported terrorism.

Further bolstering cooperation among GCC members

The Gulf states and Egypt’s signing of the reconciliation agreement in 2021 during the 41st GCC conference in Saudi Arabia brought the blockade of Qatar to a formal end. The historic declaration is expected to further bolster cooperation among GCC members.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had said the agreement “emphasises Gulf, Arab and Islamic solidarity and stability as well as the strengthening of friendship and brotherhood between our countries and people,” as per The National.