The UAE Football Association has officially announced the appointment of Croatian manager Zlatko Dalić as the new head coach of the first national team. This marks the beginning of a new era for “The Whites” as they prepare for two major upcoming tournaments: the Gulf Cup and the AFC Asian Cup.
A Long-Term Vision for World Cup 2030
Dalić succeeds Romanian coach Cosmin Olăroiu, who departed following the UAE’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The UAE FA is now focusing on building a robust, long-term project aimed at securing qualification for the 2030 World Cup.
Record-Breaking Contract Details
According to Croatian reports, the 59-year-old manager has signed a lucrative 4-year contract.
-
Annual Salary: €5 million
-
Total Contract Value: €20 million
-
Status: This deal makes Dalić the highest-paid Croatian football coach in history.
Dalić’s Previous Success in the UAE
Dalić is no stranger to Emirati football. He previously enjoyed a highly successful stint managing Al Ain FC from 2014 to 2017. During his tenure, he led the club to multiple domestic titles, including:
-
The Arabian Gulf League
-
The UAE President’s Cup
-
The UAE Super Cup He also guided Al Ain to the final of the 2016 AFC Champions League, narrowly losing to South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
An Historic Legacy with the Croatian National Team
Dalić returns to the UAE after concluding the most successful managerial era in the history of the Croatian national team. Managing “The Blazers” from October 2017 until July 2026, his impressive record includes:
-
Total Matches: 111
-
Wins: 62
-
Draws: 20
-
Losses: 29
Under his leadership, Croatia achieved unprecedented global success, including:
-
2018 FIFA World Cup: Runners-up
-
2022 FIFA World Cup (Qatar): Third place
-
2023 UEFA Nations League: Runners-up
-
Successful qualifications for Euro 2020, Euro 2024, and the 2026 World Cup.
Upcoming Schedule and Key Fixtures
Dalić’s first official test with the UAE national team will be the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji 27) held in Jeddah. The group stage fixtures are as follows:
-
September 24: UAE vs. Yemen (Opening Match)
-
September 27: UAE vs. Bahrain
-
September 30: UAE vs. Qatar
Following the Gulf Cup, “The Whites” will compete in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, scheduled from January 7 to February 5, 2027. The UAE has been drawn into Group E alongside South Korea, Vietnam, and Yemen.
