Surge in Player Registrations as New Season Kicks Off

The UAE Football Association wrapped up its first registration window for the 2025-2026 season with 2,640 player registrations across professional clubs, first and second divisions, and youth categories. This marks a significant jump from last season's 1,659 registrations, showing growing activity in the country's football scene.

The summer registration window closed at 3:30 PM yesterday after opening on July 10. The numbers tell an interesting story about where the real action is happening in UAE football.

Professional league clubs completed 318 transactions during this period. Most of these were re-registrations (178), followed by new signings (126), nine loans, three replacements, and two transfers. But here's where it gets interesting - third division clubs actually led the pack with 498 registrations, showing the depth of football development happening at grassroots level.

The final hours before the deadline saw some last-minute moves. Khorfakkan picked up Egyptian striker Yahya Yousri (22) on a free transfer from Al Orouba and signed Venezuelan midfielder Bryant Ortega (22) from Saudi club Al Ittihad as a resident player.

Al Wahda secured Iranian forward Reza Ghandipour (19) on loan from Shabab Al Ahli, while Bani Yas brought in defender Hamdan Al Ameri (23) on loan from Al Jazira. Al Jazira added Gambian midfielder Momodou Jatta from FK Sarajevo in Bosnia.

Professional clubs still have until October 22 to sign additional players, but there's a catch. The players must have been free agents before the main window closed, and clubs need available spots on their rosters.

The registration surge reflects the UAE's push to strengthen its domestic football infrastructure. With youth categories under 23, 21, and 19 years also showing strong numbers, the country appears to be investing heavily in developing local talent alongside attracting international players.

For clubs and investors, this activity suggests a healthy market with room for growth across all levels. The fact that third division clubs are driving much of the registration activity points to a football ecosystem that's expanding from the ground up, not just at the elite level.