UAE Pro League

The UAE Pro League, also known historically as the Arabian Gulf League, is the top professional football division in the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 1973, it is operated by the UAE Pro League Committee under the UAE Football Association (UAEFA). The league is known for high investment levels, world-class stadiums, and strong foreign player influence.

History and facts

The UAE Pro League began in 1973 with a small number of clubs, evolving into one of the strongest leagues in the Middle East. Heavy investment in infrastructure and foreign talent helped the league grow rapidly.

Dominant clubs include Al-Ain, Al-Wasl, Al-Wahda, and Shabab Al-Ahli, all of which have contributed significantly to UAE football success.

In 2008, the league officially turned professional, introducing modern standards in management, youth academies, and club licensing.

League system

The UAE Pro League currently features 14 clubs. At the end of each season, the bottom two teams are relegated to the UAE First Division League, while two clubs are promoted.

Table 1. UAE football league pyramid

League	Tier
UAE Pro League	1
UAE First Division League	2
UAE Second Division League	3
UAE Third Division League	4

Below the 4th tier are regional amateur and corporate leagues.

Stats

Teams with most UAE Pro League titles

Table 2. Most UAE Pro League championships

Club	Titles
Al-Ain	14
Al-Wasl	7
Shabab Al-Ahli	7
Al-Wahda	4
Al-Jazira	3

Al-Ain is the most successful club in Emirati football history.

Teams with most top-division participation

Table 3. Most seasons in UAE’s top division

Club	Seasons
Al-Ain	45+
Al-Wasl	40+
Al-Wahda	38+
Shabab Al-Ahli	35+
Al-Jazira	30+

Al-Ain and Al-Wasl are ever-present giants of the UAE football scene.

Audience

Major stadium capacities

Table 4. Major stadiums in the UAE Pro League

Stadium	Home Club	Capacity
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium	Al-Ain	25,000
Zayed Sports City Stadium	Multiple Clubs	43,000
Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium	Al-Jazira	42,000
Rashid Stadium	Shabab Al-Ahli	12,000
Al-Maktoum Stadium	Al-Nasr	15,000

Players

Famous players in UAE Pro League history

• Asamoah Gyan
• Omar Abdulrahman
• Ali Mabkhout
• Marcus Berg
• Ryan Mendes
• Seba
• Igor Coronado
• Ahmed Khalil

UAE Pro League timeline

1973 UAE national league established.

2008 League becomes fully professional.

2013 Major branding and commercial upgrades.

2018 Return to the official name "UAE Pro League."

2021 League expands and invests in digital transformation.

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UAE_Pro_League
https://www.uaeproleague.ae
https://www.rsssf.org