Former Emirati player Jamal Buhindi reflects on the importance of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and the unity it brings to Arab nations

Doha, Qatar: For former Emirati player Jamal Buhindi, representing one's nation on the international stage is the highest honour any player can achieve. As the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 approaches, Buhindi looks forward to seeing the next generation of Emirati players take the field with pride and passion.

“There's nothing greater than carrying your nation's flag on the world stage and I believe this is a dream for every athlete. Playing for the national team is how we give back to our country, how we honour where we come from.”

In recent years, Buhindi has transitioned into football administration, serving as a member of the board and executive for a number of UAE clubs. Earlier in his career, he made significant contributions developing Emirati youth football, credited with leading a youth team to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Nigeria. He also served as a director and manager of the UAE Olympic U-23 team.

For Buhindi, this tournament offers a platform to celebrate Arab culture and unity:“Seeing Arabs from Asia and Africa come together, football becomes our common language and a way to learn from each other both on and off the pitch."

The United Arab Emirates have been drawn into Group C alongside Egypt, Jordan and the winner of Kuwait vs Mauritania. During the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, the UAE reached the quarterfinals stage before exiting the tournament.

As he reflects on what the tournament means for the region, Buhindi said:“Qatar has shown the world Arab excellence through the World Cup. Now we have world-class stadiums and organisation, and most importantly, the passionate support of our families and fans. That's truly special."

He added:“I hope every fan who travels becomes an ambassador for their nation, embodying sportsmanship, unity, and pride, and that ultimately, football unites us rather than divides us.”

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will take place from December 1–18 across six venues used during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Al Bayt Stadium, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa InternationalStadium, Stadium 974 and Lusail Stadium.

A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025TM trophy. Nine of the highest FIFA ranked teams have qualified automatically, while 14 teams will vie for the remaining 7 spots in a series of qualifiers. The qualifying matches will be held ahead of the tournament on 25-26 November in Qatar.

Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities. All venues are connected seamlessly by public transport and will offer a barrier-free experience to disabled fans.

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 is part of several tournaments that Qatar will be hosting up until the end of the year, including the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 from November 3-27. Qatar will also be hosting the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on December 10, 13, and 17.

In addition to this year's edition, Qatar will be hosting the FIFA Arab Cup again in 2029 and 2033.

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