Former Player Jamal Buhindi Celebrates Football’s Unifying Power

Former Emirati football player Jamal Buhindi emphasizes the unifying nature of football as the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 approaches. Buhindi believes that the tournament will not only showcase athletic talent but also celebrate the shared culture of Arab nations.

Representing one’s country on an international platform is, according to Buhindi, the pinnacle of achievement for any athlete. As the tournament approaches, he expresses anticipation for the next generation of Emirati players to take the field. “Carrying your nation’s flag on the world stage is a dream for every athlete,” he stated. “Playing for the national team is how we give back to our country and honour where we come from.”

Legacy and Contributions to Emirati Football

In recent years, Buhindi has shifted his focus to football administration, taking up roles on the boards of various UAE clubs. His early career is marked by significant contributions to youth football in the UAE, notably leading a youth team to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Nigeria. He has also served as director and manager for the UAE Olympic U-23 team.

For Buhindi, the upcoming tournament serves as a vital platform for cultural exchange. “Seeing Arabs from Asia and Africa come together, football becomes our common language and a way to learn from each other both on and off the pitch,” he remarked.

The United Arab Emirates has been placed in Group C alongside Egypt, Jordan, and the winner of the match between Kuwait and Mauritania. In the previous edition of the tournament, the UAE reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated.

Cultural Significance and Logistics

Qatar has made a name for itself in the realm of international sports, having previously demonstrated its capabilities during the FIFA World Cup 2022. Buhindi noted, “Qatar has shown the world Arab excellence through the World Cup. Now we have world-class stadiums and organization, and, most importantly, the passionate support of our families and fans.”

As the tournament unfolds from December 1-18, 2025, matches will take place across six venues that were previously used for the World Cup. A total of 16 teams will compete for the coveted FIFA Arab Cup trophy. Nine of the highest FIFA-ranked teams have qualified automatically, while 14 others will vie for the remaining seven spots in a qualifying series held on November 25-26 in Qatar.

In addition to the matches, the tournament will feature various entertainment and cultural activities. All venues will be easily accessible via public transport, ensuring a seamless experience for all fans, including those with disabilities.

Qatar will host multiple tournaments in the coming months, including the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup from November 3-27, 2025, and the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on December 10, 13, and 17. Notably, Qatar is also set to host the FIFA Arab Cup again in 2029 and 2033.

Buhindi concluded with a hopeful message, saying, “I hope every fan who travels becomes an ambassador for their nation, embodying sportsmanship, unity, and pride. Ultimately, football unites us rather than divides us.”