Dubai Police and the Dubai Sports Council have urged closer collaboration between security and sports authorities to ensure the safety of fans, smooth stadium operations and positive matchday atmospheres for the 2025–26 UAE Pro League season.
The message was delivered during a “Stadium Security Workshop” at the Council’s headquarters, bringing together senior police officials, football executives, media representatives and leaders of supporters’ associations. The event also involved the UAE Pro League, which oversees the nation’s top-tier football competitions.
Brigadier Khamis Ali Al Shamsi, Deputy Director of the General Department of Emergency Affairs, praised last season’s coordinated efforts. “The active on-the-ground presence of every entity delivered positive results,” he said. “We work as one team, and we will continue this cooperation to secure further successes in the season ahead.”
He highlighted that Dubai Police, in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council, had carried out field visits and meetings to ensure the safety of spectators, match officials and technical crews.
Ali Omar Al Baloushi, Director of Sports Development at the Dubai Sports Council, wished all clubs a competitive and entertaining season. He noted that the workshop built on a programme of safety initiatives launched in 2020, which include organisational improvements, safety measures and the involvement of international experts.
Representing the UAE Pro League, Basil Mubarak Al Menhali reaffirmed the League’s commitment to work closely with all parties. “We aim to present our competitions in a manner befitting the level of UAE football,” he said.
The League’s Mohammed Basel Al Jallad outlined updates to the Security and Safety Manual, detailing responsibilities for clubs and fans. The measures include deploying additional private security at high-risk matches, ensuring security staff are in official uniform, and maintaining the presence of medical and technical staff from team arrival to departure. Physical barriers will be used to separate rival supporters, and strict rules will govern the use of loudspeakers, banners and choreographed displays.
The workshop also addressed challenges faced by stadium security teams, with discussions on solutions and the integration of sustainability measures at venues in line with government guidance.
Ahead of the season, joint inspection teams from Dubai Police and the Dubai Sports Council have reviewed facilities, crowd-management plans and technical systems to ensure readiness for the opening fixtures.
Officials stressed that workshops and forums with national institutions will continue to improve operational standards, promote community partnership and uphold sportsmanship. The ultimate goal, they said, is to host events that reflect the UAE’s reputation for high-quality organisation and safety on the global stage.
