Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed commends Al Jazira after Arabian Gulf League title triumph

Abu Dhabi club won their third league title last month

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, right, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, honour Al Jazira, winners of the Arabian Gulf League at Al Shati Palace. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

From left to right: Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Honorary President of Al Jazira Club and Chairman of the Honorary Board, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, and Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Al Jazira Club Vice President and Chairman of Executive Committee, stand for a photograph with the Arabian Gulf League trophy at Al Shati Palace. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mansour signs an Al Jazira shirt at Al Shati Palace. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, met with the leaders of Al Jazira following the club's Arabian Gulf League title triumph.

Sheikh Mohamed was joined by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and president of Al Jazira, Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamdan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, honorary president of Al Jazira and chairman of the Honorary Board, and Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Al Jazira Vice President and Chairman of Executive Committee.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s meeting with Al Jazira’s leadership is a great testament to his appreciation of sports, youth and athletes, and showcases our wise leadership’s support towards outstanding performances, excellence and success," Dr Al Jaber said in a statement.

“I want to sincerely thank Al Jazira Club’s board of directors, players, management and technical staff who worked extremely hard to secure the Arabian Gulf League title win.”

Jazira clinched their third UAE league title last month after a thrilling title battle with Baniyas that went down to the last game of the season. The Abu Dhabi club previously won the championship in 2010/11 and 2016/17.

Central to Jazira's success has been the club's thriving youth academy, with 17 academy graduates featured in the title winning squad, including star striker Ali Mabkhout who was the league's top scorer with 25 goals.

Mabkhout has carried his fine form over to the national team having scored twice for the UAE in the 4-0 win over Malaysia in Thursday's 2022 World Cup qualifying match.

Dr Al Jaber said Jazira's success can be put down to the hard work, commitment, and team spirit, while always striving to raise standards for the present and the future of both the team and the wider club.

“We always strive to live up to the high ambitions of Al Jazira’s fans, and we are all extremely proud to be crowned champions of the Arabian Gulf League," he said.

"I want to commend the efforts and perseverance of the Club’s board of directors and their continuous endeavour to implement Al Jazira’s vision and plans, in pursuit of excellence across all areas.

"This joint effort is one of the main reasons behind the Club’s success this season and we look forward to building on this momentum towards a bright future filled with excellence and success.”