Following the resounding success of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, football fever is once again sweeping through the region as Saudi Arabia is officially set to host the prestigious tournament in 2034. The announcement has ignited a wave of excitement and national pride among Emiratis in the UAE, who are eagerly looking forward to another monumental achievement for the Gulf region.
Emiratis are expressing their enthusiasm and hopes that Saudi Arabia will once again showcase the rich Arab culture and hospitality to the world. Faisal, a 33-year-old Emirati football enthusiast and referee, shared his joy upon hearing the news. "As a passionate football fan for over 15 years, I was thrilled to learn that Saudi Arabia will host the World Cup in 2034. I’m already looking forward to attending this tournament, just as I did during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar," he said.
Faisal recounted his unforgettable experience in Qatar, where he attended matches from the group stages to the quarterfinals. "The atmosphere during the World Cup in Qatar was truly remarkable. The seamless organization, the proximity of the stadiums, and the vibrant fan zones made it feel like you were living and breathing the tournament," he explained. As a football referee based in Ras Al Khaimah, Faisal found attending matches to be a source of inspiration. "I enjoy observing how referees manage games, their movements, and decision-making. Being there in person offers unique insights and motivation for my own growth as a referee," he added.
Faisal hopes that Saudi Arabia will build on Qatar's successful hosting and deliver an even more impressive World Cup experience. "I hope the Saudi event will be as well-organized as Qatar’s, if not better. I’m confident they will create an extraordinary tournament atmosphere," he said. He also emphasized the advantage of proximity, which will allow UAE residents to attend more matches easily. "With Saudi Arabia hosting, it’s just a short trip from the UAE. This means we can attend more games and fully immerse ourselves in the World Cup spirit. Experiencing the tournament firsthand is truly unmatched," Faisal noted.
Ali H, a 30-year-old resident of Sharjah, expressed his optimism for the upcoming tournament. "The excitement is palpable and intense for Saudi Arabia hosting the World Cup in 2034. We expect to see a beautiful edition that rivals Qatar's, which set a high standard for expectations," said Ali. "We are eager to see what Saudi Arabia will showcase, just as Qatar highlighted the traditional cloak (bisht) and brought Arab culture to the global stage," he added, emphasizing that the success of Gulf countries in hosting such events brings joy to everyone. "I believe that football has the power to unite and bring people together."
Nasir Al Suwaidi, a government employee and Sharjah resident, highlighted the growing global prominence of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). "This era belongs to the GCC. We are bringing numerous international events to this part of the world, and people around the globe have come to understand our friendly and hospitable nature," said Al Suwaidi. "The way Qatar hosted the previous tournament demonstrated how well our brotherly country managed the event. Visitors to Qatar learned about Arab traditions and culture. Many fans even visited the UAE during the tournament, and in 2034, I am sure fans will not only visit the Kingdom but also come here," he added.
However, Abdullah Al Shamsi, a 38-year-old Dubai resident, expressed disappointment that some of his favorite players might not participate in the 2034 tournament. "I am a huge fan of Cristiano Ronaldo. He is the best player for me," he said. Al Shamsi, who has traveled to Saudi Arabia to watch club matches featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, praised the Kingdom’s world-class stadiums. "I have been to the Kingdom several times to watch Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema play. The stadiums there are top-notch. While we don’t know what the new stadiums will look like, I am confident they will be spectacular," he said.
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