The 2025–26 season of the UAE Pro League has officially commenced with a much-anticipated fixture draw, setting the stage for another high-intensity year in Emirati football. Organized in collaboration with title sponsor ADNOC, the event was held at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi and witnessed the presence of prominent football leaders, club officials, and guests from across the nation’s sporting community.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were H.E. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and H.E. Abdulla Nasser Al Jneibi, Chairman of the UAE Pro League and Vice President of the UAE Football Association. Their participation signaled the significance of this season, not only for players and teams but also for the league's broader commitment to innovation and growth.

Intelligent Scheduling Through AI Integration

For the fifth consecutive year, the UAE Pro League embraced an AI-driven smart draw system, aligning with the country's Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031. This cutting-edge scheduling model takes into account a wide array of logistical and competitive factors, such as minimizing overlapping high-profile matches, ensuring regional balance across venues, and considering teams’ participation in international tournaments.

The fixture calendar was designed round-by-round rather than upfront for the whole season. This modular scheduling approach, often seen in major European leagues, ensures fairness and flexibility. It also enhances engagement by keeping fans invested in each draw as the season unfolds, making every match week reveal a mini event in itself.

Balanced Start with Power-Packed Weeks Ahead

The opening fixtures of the league were crafted to ease clubs into competition while maintaining balance in match intensity. Early games include:

• Shabab Al Ahli vs. Al Dhafra
• Al Wahda vs. Ajman
• Sharjah vs. Dibba
• Al Ain vs. Al Bataeh
• Al Nasr vs. Kalba
• Al Jazira vs. Khorfakkan
• Al Wasl vs. Bani Yas

These matches aim to distribute competitive load evenly and provide all clubs with a chance to find early rhythm.

However, fans won’t have to wait long for the sparks to fly. Matchweek 2 will see titans like Shabab Al Ahli clashing with Al Wahda, and Sharjah taking on Al Jazira, signaling the onset of top-tier action. The third round intensifies further with Al Wasl vs. Al Ain and Al Jazira vs. Al Nasr. By the fourth and fifth weeks, the league will feature several headline clashes including Al Nasr vs. Shabab Al Ahli, Shabab Al Ahli vs. Al Ain, and Al Wasl vs. Sharjah. The highly anticipated Dubai Derby between Al Wasl and Al Nasr has been scheduled for Week 6, a highlight that typically brings city-wide attention and packed stadiums.

ADIB Cup and eUAE Pro League Championship Announced

Alongside the Pro League draw, fixtures for the ADIB Cup were also revealed. In the early knockout stages, fans can look forward to pivotal matchups such as:

• Al Nasr vs. Al Bataeh, with the winner set to face Shabab Al Ahli
• Sharjah vs. Dibba, whose winner might later meet Al Ain or Khorfakkan
• Al Jazira awaits the winner of Al Wasl vs. Al Dhafra
• The victor between Al Wahda and Ajman will go on to meet either Bani Yas or Khorfakkan

In addition, the Pro League’s esports division, the eUAE Pro League Championship, was also launched. This move signals the league’s focus on youth engagement and digital transformation. The teams were divided into two groups:

• Group A: Bani Yas, Al Bataeh, Sharjah, Kalba, Ajman, Dibba, Al Jazira
• Group B: Khorfakkan, Al Wasl, Al Ain, Al Wahda, Shabab Al Ahli, Al Nasr, Al Dhafra

This initiative is expected to further extend fan engagement, particularly among younger audiences, and support the Pro League’s mission to stay ahead in the rapidly growing esports scene.

Driving Excellence Through Technology and Vision

The UAE Pro League’s continued investment in AI-based scheduling and esports expansion aligns with the country’s broader ambitions to become a global sports innovation hub. By reducing fixture congestion, creating strategic match distribution, and minimizing travel fatigue, the league ensures players and fans alike experience a high-quality football environment. The flexibility of a matchweek-by-matchweek draw model allows teams to better adapt to form, injuries, and regional scheduling constraints—making every draw announcement a crucial tactical event. The technology-first approach also helps maintain excitement and narrative momentum throughout the long season.

A Season Packed With Promise

With rivalries, derbies, and AI-optimized fixtures lining up the calendar, the 2025–26 UAE Pro League promises excitement, precision, and a touch of digital brilliance. From the quieter yet competitive early weeks to explosive midseason clashes, football fans across the UAE and the region are in for a thrilling ride. Backed by institutional support, powered by smart scheduling, and boosted by digital outreach, this season sets a new benchmark in how modern football leagues can evolve with technology—without losing their soul.