Fajairah FC to Face Saudi Rivals Al-Raed and Al-Wahda in Friendly Matches, Says Coach Ahmed Ismail
Sara KhaledUAE's Al Fujairah FC Launches Ambitious Turkey Training Camp as First Division Competition Intensifies
Al Fujairah Football Club has kicked off preparations for the upcoming UAE First Division season with an extensive three-week training camp in Turkey, signaling the club's serious intent to climb the league standings. The ambitious preparation schedule, running from August 3-24, reflects growing investment in lower-tier UAE football as clubs seek promotion to the top flight.
Strategic Training Investment Points to Promotion Ambitions
Under French coach Kamal Tassil's guidance, Al Fujairah's decision to invest in a lengthy overseas training camp demonstrates the increasing professionalization of UAE's second-tier football. The club has arranged four friendly matches during the Turkey stint, with confirmed fixtures against Saudi Arabian sides Al Raed and Al Wahda already secured.
Ahmed Ismail, the club's Secretary General and first team supervisor, emphasized the comprehensive nature of their preparations. "We are working to build a strong team that competes for advanced positions," he stated, indicating the club's clear promotion objectives for the upcoming season.
Learning from Past Setbacks
The club's leadership has conducted thorough reviews of previous seasons' shortcomings, suggesting a data-driven approach to improvement. This analytical mindset reflects broader trends in UAE football, where clubs increasingly adopt professional management practices previously reserved for top-tier teams.
Goalkeeper Development as Strategic Asset
Al Fujairah's focus on goalkeeper development reveals an interesting market positioning strategy. Ismail described the club as "a real mine for discovering and developing goalkeepers in the country," highlighting three keepers: Saleh Rabea, Saeed Salem Nasser, and Ahmed Yaqoub.
This specialization approach mirrors successful models in European football, where smaller clubs develop specific reputations for nurturing talent in particular positions, creating both sporting success and potential transfer revenue streams.
Market Implications for UAE Football Ecosystem
The extensive preparation investments by First Division clubs like Al Fujairah indicate a maturing football market in the UAE. As lower-tier clubs professionalize their operations, this creates upward pressure on playing standards and increases competition for promotion spots.
Regional Training Camp Trends
Turkey has emerged as a preferred pre-season destination for Middle Eastern clubs, offering quality facilities, favorable climate conditions, and competitive opposition. Al Fujairah's choice aligns with regional trends, as clubs from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf states increasingly utilize Turkish infrastructure for preparations.
The club's completion of most player contracts for both domestic and foreign players ahead of the training camp suggests efficient transfer market operations, positioning them advantageously as the season approaches. This early completion of squad building allows maximum time for tactical integration under their French coaching staff.
With UAE football continuing to invest in infrastructure and youth development, clubs like Al Fujairah represent the growing depth of the country's football pyramid, creating stronger foundations for the national team program and increasing the overall competitiveness of domestic competitions.
