UAE Olympic Team Drawn in Group with Iraq, Oman, and Yemen for Gulf Cup Tournament

The Gulf Cup Under-23 football tournament draw has placed the UAE Olympic team in Group 2 alongside Iraq, Oman, and Yemen. The tournament will take place in Doha from December 4-16, bringing together eight Gulf nations in what serves as a key preparation ground for Olympic qualification and regional football development.

The draw, conducted today at the Qatar Football Association headquarters via video conference, split the eight participating teams into two groups. Group 1 features Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, while the UAE joins Iraq, Oman, and Yemen in Group 2.

Qatar's hosting of the tournament continues the country's push to establish itself as a regional sports hub following the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Gulf Football Association is organizing the event, which has become an important stepping stone for young players across the region.

For the UAE, this tournament represents a chance to test their Olympic squad against familiar regional rivals. The team will face different challenges in each group match - Iraq brings strong football tradition and recent youth success, Oman has been improving steadily at youth levels, while Yemen offers an unpredictable element despite ongoing domestic challenges.

The timing works well for participating nations as they build toward future Olympic campaigns and senior team integration. Many players from previous Under-23 Gulf Cups have gone on to represent their countries at senior international level.

Gulf football has been investing heavily in youth development, and this tournament gives coaches a clear picture of emerging talent across the region. The December dates also align well with European club seasons, potentially allowing some overseas-based players to participate.