Arabian Gulf Cup 2023: Where is it, who's playing and how to watch in the UAE?

The 25th edition of the tournament, comprising eight Gulf nations, kicked off in Iraq on Friday

The UAE's Harib Abdallah celebrates scoring the only goal of the game against South Korea in the World Cup qualifier at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai, on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. AFP

UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa celebrates after the match. Reuters

UAE players celebrate after the match. Reuters

South Korea attacker Son Heung-min goes down under a challenge from Caio Canedo. Reuters

UAE match-winner Harib Abdallah and South Korea's Nam Tae-Hee challenge for a header. Getty

UAE manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena. EPA

UAE's Caio Canedo on the attack. Getty

Action during the game at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai. Getty

UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa makes a save. EPA

UAE's Mohammed Al Baloushi battles for the ball with South Korea forward Son Heung-min. AFP

UAE defend a free-kick. Reuters

UAE's Harib Abdallah celebrates scoring the winning goal. AFP

UAE's Abdulaziz Hussain. Getty

UAE manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena. EPA

South Korea's Son Heung-min holds off the challenge of Majed Hassan of the UAE. Reuters

UAE attacker Caio Canedo fouls South Korea goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo. AP

UAE's Harib Abdallah celebrates with teammates after scoring. Reuters

South Korea attacker Son Heung-min. EPA

Kim Min-jae of South Korea and UAE's Caio Canedo battle for the ball. EPA

South Korea's Hee-Chan Hwang battles for possession with Mohammed Al Baloushi of the UAE. Reuters

South Korea's Kim Jin-su kicks the ball under pressure from Abdulaziz Hussain of the UAE. Reuters

South Korea's Hwang Hee-chan on the ball against the UAE. Reuters

UAE fans at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai. Reuters

The UAE team before the match in Dubai. AFP

The 25th Arabian Gulf Cup kicked off on Friday, in Basra, Iraq. Here’s the lowdown on an historic event in the country.

What is it?

The tournament is organised by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation and includes its eight member nations: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Yemen.

Principally to take place every two years, the competition has been often affected by a number of issues — both political and organisational — meaning it was last played in 2019. This month’s tournament will take place in Iraq, marking the country’s hosting of a major football tournament for the first time in almost 44 years.

Where is it?

Basra. The two venues used will be the Basra International Stadium and the recently opened Al Minaa Olympic Stadium.

When is it?

January 6-19.

Who’s competing?

The eight members of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation. They have been drawn in two groups of four, with Group A featuring Iraq, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Group B comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. The top two from each group advance to the semi-finals on January 16, with the final held three days later at Basra International Stadium.

Group A

• January 6: Iraq v Oman
• January 6: Saudi Arabia v Yemen
• January 9: Oman v Yemen
• January 9: Iraq v Saudi Arabia
• January 12: Iraq v Yemen
• January 12: Saudi Arabia v Oman

Group B

• January 7: UAE v Bahrain
• January 7: Kuwait v Qatar
• January 10: UAE v Kuwait
• January 10: Qatar v Bahrain
• January 13: UAE v Qatar
• January 13: Bahrain v Kuwait

Who are the past winners?

Kuwait are way out in front in terms of success, with 10 titles in all. However, they have won only once in the past 25 years (2010). Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have each lifted the trophy three times, with the UAE (2007, 2013) and Oman each winning it twice. Bahrain are the defending champions, having triumphed three years ago when they defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final. The portents are good for Iraq, though: they won the first of their three crowns the last time they hosted, in 1979.

How to watch in UAE?

Football fans eager to watch the tournament can catch it primarily on AD Sports and Dubai Sports.