The United Arab Emirates secured their spot in the Gulf Cup semifinals after battling to a 1-1 draw against Qatar during their final Group B fixture. Almoez Ali opened the scoring for Qatar in the 33rd minute, but the UAE responded just before the halftime whistle thanks to a crucial equalizer from Ali Saleh. This result allowed the UAE to finish atop Group B on goal difference, setting up a high-stakes semifinal showdown against Oman scheduled for October 3.

This campaign has been a strong showing for the UAE, building on earlier momentum from dominant victories over Yemen and Bahrain. Under the guidance of Croatian head coach Zlatko Dalic, the team is currently undergoing a strategic transformation aimed at blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent to secure a berth in the 2030 World Cup. A title run in this tournament would serve as a significant morale boost for Dalic’s long-term project as the squad prepares for their upcoming challenge against Oman for a place in the October 6 final.