The UAE Football Association (UAE FA) has officially submitted a bid to host 2031 AFC Asian Cup.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had invited federations to declare their interest.
Also the UAE FA confirmed their submission through social media.
In a statement posted on X and Instagram, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, President of the UAE FA, emphasized the nation’s readiness, saying:
“The UAE is fully capable of hosting major international and continental sporting events, thanks to its strong infrastructure and the many factors that ensure success.”
UAE’s History in Hosting Major Football Events
The UAE has previously hosted the Asian Cup twice, in 1996 and 2019.
Latest tournament was held in Qatar (2023), with Saudi Arabia set to host the next edition in 2027.
Beyond the Asian Cup, the UAE has successfully organized several high-profile football events, including:
- FIFA U-20
- U-17 World Cups
- Multiple editions of FIFA Club World Cup
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the UAE’s reputation in delivering memorable tournaments, stating:
“Every event hosted in the UAE becomes exceptional, with remarkable attendance and unforgettable moments.
We are confident that we can make the 2031 Asian Cup a truly outstanding edition.”
Who Competes with the UAE on Hosting 2031 Asian Cup ?
Kuwait was the first Gulf nation to express interest in hosting the tournament.
Sheikh Ahmed Al Yousef, President of Kuwait Football Association confirmed their bid earlier this year.
Kuwait recently showcased its hosting capabilities by successfully organizing the 2025 Gulf Cup.
Where Bahrain defeated Oman 2-1 in the final at Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium.
South Korea and Indonesia have also declared their interest in hosting the 2031 Asian Cup, setting up a competitive bidding process.
Shahd Matar, Deputy Permanent Representative and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the United Nations and other organizations in Geneva, participated in the joint launch of the Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2025 and the Sudan Regional… pic.twitter.com/wDIZTfSdmb
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) February 21, 2025
UAE’s Best Performances in Asian Cup
The UAE’s best-ever finish in the Asian Cup came in 1996.
When they reached the final but lost on penalties to Saudi Arabia at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.
Their strongest campaign on foreign soil was in 2015, when Mahdi Ali’s team, featuring stars like:
Omar Abdulrahman, Ali Mabkhout, and Ahmed Khalil, secured third place in Australia.
Mabkhout finished as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals.
With a rich history in football, world-class infrastructure, and a track record of hosting major events, the UAE is positioning itself as a strong contender to welcome 2031 Asian Cup.
