Gulf United FC

{{Short description|Emirati football club}} {{Infobox football club | clubname = Gulf United | caption = The People's Club | fullname = Gulf United Football Club | nickname = The Eagles | manager = [[Andrés Iniesta]] | website = {{URL|www.gulfunitedfc.com}} | founded = {{start date and age|2019|}} | image = Gulf_United_FC_logo.png | chairman = Ahmed Hamada | ground = JA Sports and Shooting Club & Kings Al Barsha | league = [[UAE First Division League]] | season = [[2024–25 UAE Division 1|2024–25]] | position = UAE Division 1, 10th | pattern_la1 = _shoulder_stripes_white_stripes_alt | pattern_b1 = _whitestripes3 | pattern_ra1 = _shoulder_stripes_white_stripes_alt | shorts1 = FF0000 | socks1 = FF0000 | rightarm1 = 0000CD | leftarm1 = 0000CD | pattern_sh1 = _white_stripes_adidas | pattern_so1 = _3_stripes_on_white_top | body1 = FF0000 | pattern_b2 = _thinwhitesides | leftarm2 = 000000 | rightarm2 = 000000 | shorts2 = 000000 | socks2 = 000000 | pattern_so2 = _3_stripes_on_white_top | pattern_sh2 = _white_stripes_adidas | body2 = 000000 | current = 2025–26 Gulf United FC season }}

'''Gulf United Football Club''' ({{langx|ar|نادي جلف يونايتد لكرة القدم}}) is an Emirati professional [[Association football|football]] club that started as an academy in [[Dubai]]. They currently play in the [[UAE First Division League]], after achieving back-to-back promotions from the [[UAE Third Division League|UAE Third Division]] and [[UAE Second Division League|UAE Second Division]] in the 2022 and [[2022–23 UAE Division 2|2023]].<ref>{{Cite web |script-title=ar:جلف يوناتيد يُتوج بطلاُ للنسخة الأولى من دوري الدرجة الثالثة |website=UAE Football Association |url=https://www.uaefa.ae/news/30231 |access-date=2022-10-25 |language=ar}}</ref> It is known for developing and nurturing young talent with a focus on long term development.

== History ==

=== Founding === In 2019, Gulf United was founded in Dubai by Mo Jarad and brothers Conor Shiels and Jordi Shiels. The Shiels brothers and Jarad, originally from Manchester, brought a vision of building a professional-standard football academy that would be open to players of all backgrounds and nationalities. The club operates under a joint British and Emirati ownership model, a structure that has been central to its growth and integration within UAE football. Club President Ahmed Hamada has played a key role in developing Gulf United's relationships within the UAE football landscape.

The club has since become one of the market leaders in football development in the UAE, with youth teams from ages 4–23, as well as a professional first team. Gulf United brings expert coaches from around the world to Dubai and describes itself as '''"The Home of Youth Development"''', a philosophy that drives both its academy programme and its approach to professional football.

=== UAE Third Division === In the 2021–22 season, Gulf United entered the [[UAE Third Division League|UAE Third Division]], a league that allows privately owned clubs and academies to join the UAE Football Pyramid.<ref>{{Cite web |script-title=ar:قطار "دوري الدرجة الثالثة" يصل محطة "الجولة 8" |url=https://www.uaefa.ae/news/30049 |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=UAE Football Association |language=ar}}</ref> Soon after [[Steven Taylor (footballer)|Steven Taylor]] was announced as the manager.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Rollo |first=Phillip |date=2022-01-28 |title=Former Phoenix captain Steven Taylor begins coaching career in the Middle East |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/127587143/former-phoenix-captain-steven-taylor-begins-coaching-career-in-the-middle-east |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=1485231389712826369|user=EnglishAbroad1|title=🇦🇪 #NUFC stalwart Steven Taylor has been announced as the new first team manager of Gulf United FC. The club describe themselves as the "UAE's leading academy for young footballers." The men's team play in the 3rd tier. The moves comes after Taylor retired back in September. https://t.co/NPONl2wsnm|author=English Players Abroad|date=23 January 2022|access-date=1 December 2022|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026012427/https://twitter.com/EnglishAbroad1/status/1485231389712826369|archive-date=26 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=1484994908075458560|user=ByPhillipRollo|title=Former Wellington Phoenix defender Steven Taylor has been announced as the manager of Gulf United, a top academy in the United Arab Emirates that is set to enter a team in the country's 3rd division this season.|first=Phillip|last=Rollo|date=22 January 2022|access-date=1 December 2022|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025195340/https://twitter.com/ByPhillipRollo/status/1484994908075458560|archive-date=25 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 2021-22 [[UAE Third Division League|UAE Third Division]] Season was formatted as two groups, where the winner of each group would face the runner-up of the other group in a play-off for promotion. Gulf United went unbeaten in the group stages finishing first in Group A. They faced [[Gulf FC|Abtal Al Khaeej]] in the semi-final's, which was in a home & away format. Gulf United lost the first leg 1–0, and won the second leg 2–0, officially securing promotion to the [[UAE Second Division]].

Gulf United then faced Group B winners Fleetwood United in the UAE Third Division final and were crowned eventual champions of the [[UAE Third Division League|Third Division]] after beating [[Fleetwood United]], sister club of [[Fleetwood Town F.C.|Fleetwood Town]] 3–1 in the final of the inaugural season, with 2 goals from [[Cédrick 'Nana' Djeunou|Cédrick Nana]] and 1 from Bonet Bobai, cementing them as [[UAE Third Division League|UAE Third Division]] Champions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-27 |title="Gulf United" Is The Champion Of The First Edition Of The Third Division |url=https://thenewsglory.com/gulf-united-is-the-champion-of-the-first-edition-of-the-third-division/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=thenewsglory.com |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |script-title=ar:جلف يوناتيد بطل «دوري الثالثة» |url=https://adsports.ae/news/93154 |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=AD Sports |language=ar}}</ref>

=== UAE Second Division === The 2022–23 season was the clubs first in the [[UAE Second Division League|UAE Second Division]]. The squad was strengthened with signings such as [[Devonte Redmond]], [[Soheil Varahram]] and [[Max Johnstone]] as well as further signings in the January [[transfer window]] with former [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] player [[Mink Peeters]] and former [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] & [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] striker [[Gary Hooper]].

After drawing their first game, Gulf United went on to win 5 games in a row, going into the Christmas period at the top of the league.<ref>{{Cite web |last=UAE FA |title=UAE FA Second Division Match Results |url=https://www.uaefa.ae/en/competition/1423}}</ref>

Gulf United went on to be crowned the champions of the 2022-23 [[UAE Second Division League|UAE Second Division]], and winning promotion to [[UAE First Division League|UAE First Division]] and making history by achieving the first ever back-to-back promotion in the history of UAE Football.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gulf United win UAE Second Division title |url=https://gulfnews.com/sport/uae-sport/gulf-united-win-uae-second-division-title-1.94488761 |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=gulfnews.com |date=15 March 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The back-to-back Championships were led by the club captain, and now a Director at the Club, Jack Shiels, who continued as club captain into the UAE First Division.

=== UAE First Division === After completing the first back to back promotion in UAE football, Gulf United were promoted to the [[UAE First Division League|UAE First Division]] for the 2023–24 season.<ref name="UAEFA_2023_24">{{cite web |title=UAE First Division League 2023–24 |url=https://www.uaefa.ae |access-date=17 February 2026 |publisher=United Arab Emirates Football Association}}</ref> The previous campaign had seen both promoted clubs from the [[UAE First Division League|UAE Second Division]], [[Fursan Hispania FC|Fursan Hispana]] and [[Baynounah SC|Baynounah]], relegated immediately, highlighting the scale of the step up to second tier level.<ref>{{cite web |title=UAE First Division League 2022–23 Final Standings |url=https://www.uaefa.ae |access-date=17 February 2026 |publisher=United Arab Emirates Football Association}}</ref>

Ahead of the season, the club appointed former professional footballer [[Neil Taylor (footballer)|Neil Taylor]] as first team manager, a role he combined with his position as assistant coach of the [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales under 21 national team]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Neil Taylor appointed Gulf United manager |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football |access-date=17 February 2026 |publisher=The National}}</ref> Gulf United also broke their transfer record with the signing of Scottish striker [[Josh Fowler]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Gulf United sign Josh Fowler |url=https://gulfunitedfc.com |access-date=17 February 2026 |publisher=Gulf United FC}}</ref>

In their debut [[UAE First Division League|UAE First Division]] campaign, Gulf United finished 15th, securing survival comfortably and ending the season clear of the relegation places.<ref>{{cite web |title=UAE First Division League 2023–24 Table |url=https://www.uaefa.ae |access-date=17 February 2026 |publisher=United Arab Emirates Football Association}}</ref> The campaign established the club at second tier level and provided several academy players with their first experience of senior professional football. Taylor departed at the conclusion of the season and subsequently took charge of [[Al Jazira Club|Al Jazira]]’s under 21 side.<ref>{{cite web |title=Neil Taylor joins Al Jazira U21 |url=https://www.aljaziraclub.ae |access-date=17 February 2026 |publisher=Al Jazira Club}}</ref>

During the 2024–25 season, Gulf United recorded further progress under new manager [[Richard Peniket]], the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, who had previously led Gulf United "B" in the [[UAE Third Division League|UAE Third Division]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Richard Peniket appointed Gulf United manager |url=https://gulfunitedfc.com |access-date=17 February 2026 |publisher=Gulf United FC}}</ref> The team finished 10th in the 18 team league, representing a five place improvement on their debut campaign.<ref>{{cite web |title=UAE First Division League 2024–25 Table |url=https://www.uaefa.ae |access-date=17 February 2026 |publisher=United Arab Emirates Football Association}}</ref> Notable results during the season included victories against eventual champions [[Al Dhafra FC|Al Dhafra]], as well as [[Emirates Club|Emirates]], [[United FC (Dubai)|United FC]] and [[Masfout Club|Masfout]].<ref>{{cite web |title=First Division Match Reports 2024–25 |url=https://www.uaefa.ae |access-date=17 February 2026 |publisher=United Arab Emirates Football Association}}</ref> Dutch forward [[Lars Veldwijk]] joined during the January transfer window and scored 14 goals in 12 appearances, contributing to a strong finish to the campaign.

Following the season, 16 first team players secured transfers to clubs in the [[UAE Pro League]] or [[UAE First Division League|UAE First Division]], a club record. The improved league position consolidated Gulf United’s status in the division and increased its profile within Emirati professional football.

Ahead of the 2025–26 season, Gulf United appointed former [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] academy coach Davi Iglesias Niño as first team manager.<ref>{{cite web |title=Davi Iglesias Niño appointed Gulf United manager |url=https://gulfunitedfc.com |access-date=17 February 2026 |publisher=Gulf United FC}}</ref> The club undertook a significant recruitment drive, signing Guinean centre back [[Julian Jeanvier]] from [[Kayserispor]] and Dutch midfielder [[Leroy Fer]] from [[Al-Nasr SC (Dubai)|Al Nasr]] in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gulf United complete Jeanvier and Fer signings |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football |access-date=17 February 2026 |publisher=The National}}</ref> Brazilian forward [[Weberty]] joined from [[Al Bataeh Club|Al Bataeh]], along with Zambian under 20 international [[Emmanuel Mutale]] and former [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] academy graduate [[Archie Woods]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Gulf United announce multiple signings |url=https://gulfunitedfc.com |access-date=17 February 2026 |publisher=Gulf United FC}}</ref> In January 2026, the squad was further strengthened with the signing of Swedish international [[Robin Quaison]] and a managerial change to Ahmet Cebe who successfully kept the club in the UAE First Division for the third year in a row.

=== International friendlies === The club regularly plays in [[Exhibition game|exhibition]] matches against global opponents showcasing the clubs young talent. In January 2022, Gulf United played with 7-time [[Slovak First Football League]] winners [[MŠK Žilina]].<ref>{{cite web |date=23 January 2022 |title=In the second match on Sunday, the first win in preparation against the home Gulf FC |url=https://www.mskzilina.sk/zapas.asp?id=7876 |publisher=MŠK Žilina}}</ref> In February 2022, Gulf United played a friendly fixture against [[Riga FC]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Third victory in Dubai|url=https://rigafc.lv/en/post/473 |access-date=2022-10-25 |publisher=Riga FC}}</ref> a game in which Gulf United player [[Manyumow Achol]] was subsequently scouted and signed for [[FK Auda]].<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Wellington Phoenix Academy |author-link=Wellington Academy |user=WgtnPhoenixAcad |number=1503824612802838533 |date=15 March 2022 |title=The Academy is delighted to announce that graduate Manyumow Achol has signed his first professional contract with FK Auda in Latvia. This comes after a brief but successful stint with Gulf United in Dubai. Congratulations to Manny who has worked so hard for this opportunity. https://t.co/75DaVpI1Ix|access-date=1 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621121925/https://twitter.com/WgtnPhoenixAcad/status/1503824612802838533 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |author=UAE Football Media |user=UAEfootMedia |number=1522495940460003328 |date=6 May 2022 |title=How is the @uaefa_ae 3rd Division competitive environment and Gulf United FC's toughest opponent this season? Steven Taylor - @NUFC & @England was on the @uaefootballshow and told us all about it https://t.co/CcCZxIDWf2 #UAEFootballShow Watch it here: https://t.co/C6dor7KpKk https://t.co/aOaautw7SW|access-date=1 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028001948/https://twitter.com/UAEfootMedia/status/1522495940460003328 |archive-date=28 October 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Gulf United also played [[Premier League]] side [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] in a friendly match at NAS Sports Complex on the 24 March 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dixon |first=Joe |date=2022-03-24 |title=Newcastle United end Dubai warm weather trip with five goal friendly win |url=https://www.themag.co.uk/2022/03/newcastle-united-end-dubai-warm-weather-trip-with-five-goal-friendly-win-gulf-united-0-newcastle-united-5/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=NUFC The Mag}}</ref> in which Newcastle won 5–0 with goals from [[Allan Saint-Maximin]], [[Joelinton]] and [[Dwight Gayle]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryder |first=Lee |date=2022-03-24 |title=Newcastle end week in Dubai with rout of locals as Gayle and Saint-Maximin score |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-end-week-dubai-rout-23488568 |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=ChronicleLive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-24 |title=Newcastle win 5–0 against Gulf United in behind closed doors friendly |url=https://www.geordiebootboys.com/news/newcastle-win-5-0-against-gulf-united-in-behind-closed-doors-friendly/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Geordie Boot Boys}}</ref>

On 6 January 2023, Gulf United played a friendly against [[Al Ain FC]], the 21-22 [[UAE Pro League]] defending champions, and who are widely recognised as being [[United Arab Emirates football records|the most successful club in the UAE.]] The match ended 1–0 to [[Al Ain FC]] with a goal scored by UAE international [[Bandar Al-Ahbabi]].<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Al Ain FC |author-link=Al Ain FC |user=alainfcae_en |number=1611390209676943361 |date=6 January 2023 |title=End of the Friendly Match @alainfcae 1 and Gulf United FC 0 Al Ain Goal Scored By @bandar_a70 #alainclub https://t.co/9zhlpkyhKn|access-date=14 February 2023}}</ref>

The club faced Al-Ittihad Club in a friendly match on 18 December 2024, losing 1–0. They met again in a separate friendly on 14 December 2025. The Saudi side, who went on to win the Saudi Pro League, featured several high-profile players including [[Karim Benzema]], [[N'Golo Kanté]], [[Fabinho (footballer, born 1993)|Fabinho]], [[Danilo Pereira]], [[Steven Bergwijn]] and [[Houssem Aouar]], among others.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DSPS-mOkc34/ |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref>

Gulf United have also faced various national teams in friendly fixtures. In June 2022, the club played against the [[Australia men's national soccer team]] in a competitive match, which ended 3–1 in favour of the Socceroos.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKwvPJvpa1a/?igsh=NHR1dnVxaHl3ZHBj |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> The club also faced the [[United Arab Emirates national football team]] on two occasions, in June 2025 and again in April 2026. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKwvPJvpa1a/?igsh=NHR1dnVxaHl3ZHBj |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref>

== Academy and Player Development == Central to Gulf United's identity is its academy, which operates under the motto '''"The Home of Youth Development"'''. The academy caters to players aged 4–23 across 23 teams and more than 83 nationalities, and is regarded as one of the most internationally diverse football programmes in the Middle East.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fgulfunitedfc%2F&is_from_rle |access-date=2026-05-25 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref>

Gulf United is the '''#1 football scholarship provider in the MENA region''', with over 100 scholars placed into university programmes in the United States and Canada. The club maintains partnerships with coaches and institutions across all scholarship divisions, offering a complete player pathway from grassroots football to professional level and higher education opportunities abroad.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fgulfunitedfc%2F&is_from_rle |access-date=2026-05-25 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref>

== "The People's Club" == Gulf United has cultivated a strong community identity, being widely referred to as '''"The People's Club"''' within the UAE football landscape. The ethos reflects the club's founding belief that professional-standard football development should be accessible to players from all backgrounds and nationalities. With over 83 nationalities represented across its academy and first team, the club embodies a model of football that is international in reach but rooted in the Dubai community.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DJomsLuJgBl/ |access-date=2026-05-25 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref>

== Media and partnerships == In September 2021, Gulf United signed a deal with [[Adidas]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gulf United F.C. on Instagram: "🚨 Thrilled to announce Gulf United FC x @adidasmena ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Big things coming… ⚽️⏳ #TheNextGen #ImpossibleIsNothing" |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CTzgGq6JhjQ/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Instagram |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=adidas MENA on Instagram: ". الجيل القادم جاهز للانطلاق. Next gen pending ⚽⏳ @gulfunitedfc" |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CTzfwePpPlC/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Instagram |language=en}}</ref> , making them the first grassroots football academy in the Middle East to partner with the brand.<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite AV media |date=7 August 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yenxmBcd_ks |title=THE FINAL - ALL TO PLAY FOR - GULF UNITED vs FLEETWOOD - 'We are Gulf United' - Episode 13 |publisher=Gulf United FC |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=1 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025193506/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yenxmBcd_ks |archive-date=25 October 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2021, they built the region's first floating football pitch at the #NoFilterDXB event in Dubai Harbour, Dubai,<ref>{{cite tweet |author=NOFILTERDXB |user=NOFILTERDXB |number=1463080647967350787 |date=23 November 2021 |title=#NoFilterDXB x @adidas and Gulf United Football Club The region's first floating football pitch and so much more are coming your way at #NOFILTERDXB. Be there to witness amazing games, running tournaments with Gulf United Football Club and join in on all the fun. https://t.co/ZwBwPBjK5o |language=en |access-date=1 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123181330/https://twitter.com/NOFILTERDXB/status/1463080647967350787 |archive-date=23 November 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-24 |title=What to expect at #NoFilterDXB this weekend |url=https://whatson.ae/2021/11/see-supercars-a-banksy-artwork-floating-football-pitch-and-roller-disco-at-nofilterdxb/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=What's On |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=uaenews247 |date=2021-10-27 |title=ADIDAS KICKS OFF DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE |url=https://uaenews247.com/2021/10/27/adidas-kicks-off-dubai-fitness-challenge/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=UAE News 24/7 |language=en |archive-date=2022-10-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025193505/https://uaenews247.com/2021/10/27/adidas-kicks-off-dubai-fitness-challenge/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> which drew regional and global attention after featuring in a video by the Sidemen. <ref>{{cite AV media |date=12 December 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Oa-GtZE9tE |title=SIDEMEN $100,000 HOT VS COLD HOLIDAY |publisher=Sidemen |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=1 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025193511/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Oa-GtZE9tE |archive-date=25 October 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2021, [[Zinedine Zidane]] visited Gulf United as part of the “Impossible Is Nothing” campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A football legend comes to Gulf United with Adidas DXB Play to change the game. Not just to win it. Zindine Zidane #ImpossibleIsNothing {{!}} By Gulf United {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/GulfUnitedDubai/videos/a-football-legend-comes-to-gulf-united-with-adidas-dxbplay-to-change-the-game-no/3083032608623240/ |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}}</ref>

As part of its partnership with Adidas, Gulf United has been involved in several global brand activations. The club activated the Adidas zone at the official [[2022 FIFA World Cup|FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022]] BudX Fan Festival, which hosted up to 10,000 visitors per day and featured appearances from former players including [[Kaká]], [[Iker Casillas]] and rappers [[Kano (British musician)|Kano]] and [[Freek (rapper)|Freek]]. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/Clqnp7QJCSO/?igsh=Mng2cTV1aHJpeWty |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClTlv7XJUPZ/?igsh=MTdhN2trb3U4YWg1dw== |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref>The club also participated in the launch campaign for the Adidas “[[Adidas Al Rihla|Al Rihla]]” match ball, which included a projection on the [[Burj Khalifa]] featuring [[Karim Benzema]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/tv/CckxLC7p9aE/?igsh=MTVuMWxnY2FiNXg4cA== |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> Gulf United has further been involved in multiple Adidas boot launch campaigns and grassroots marketing initiatives linked to the brand.

Gulf United also maintains a partnership with [[Volkswagen]], <ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C3U6QZOICPN/?igsh=Zzd0dDIxZHlpeXl5 |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> [https://www.instagram.com/p/C3U6QZOICPN/?igsh=Zzd0dDIxZHlpeXl5 centred] around grassroots football development. As part of this collaboration, the club launched the [[Volkswagen Cup,]] a community-focused football festival designed to prioritise participation and inclusivity over competition. First introduced in 2024 with approximately 700 participants, the event expanded significantly by 2026, attracting over 2,500 attendees and more than 97 teams, becoming one of the most prominent grassroots tournaments in the region. <ref>{{Cite web |last=FC |first=Gulf United |title=Gulf United FC {{!}} Dubai Football Academy {{!}} Ages 4-23 {{!}} UAE's Leading Club |url=https://gulfunitedfc.com/ |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=Gulf United FC |language=en}}</ref>

The club has also developed international relationships with [[Arsenal F.C.]], including collaborative activities such as coaching sessions delivered by Arsenal staff and media engagements involving Arsenal players and Gulf United youth players.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2aBwu4Jcb8/?igsh=MTd0OGdtaTlqdDVobg== |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2xa7v8PbJT/?igsh=MTQ0eDJoMnR0OGdsYg== |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref>

In addition to its principal partners, Gulf United has held active sponsorship agreements with [[Wow Hydrate|WOW Hydrate]], [[Rasasi Perfumes|Rasasi]] and [[Generaltec Electronics|Generaltec]], supporting various club initiatives, activations and community programmes.

'We are Gulf United' is a [[YouTube]] [[docuseries]] which followed the club in their first season in the [[UAE Third Division League|UAE Third Division]] season. Debuted on the 1st April 2022, the series has amassed over 2,000,000 views.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gulf United FC - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjNGAfCJ-CLebVVptwcWj2A/about |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=www.youtube.com}}</ref><ref name="youtube.com" />

== Managerial history == {| class="wikitable" |+First Team Managers !Dates !Names |- |2021-2023 |{{flagicon|England}} [[Steven Taylor (footballer)|Steven Taylor]] |- |2023-2024 |{{flagicon|Wales}} [[Neil Taylor (footballer)|Neil Taylor]] |- |2024-2025 |{{flagicon|England}} [[Richard Peniket]] |- |2025-2026 |{{flagicon|Spain}} [[David Iglesias]] |- |2026 |{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Ahmet Cebe]] |- |2026- |{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Andrés Iniesta]] |}

==Squad== {{updated|20th May 2026}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Gulf United |website=UAE Football Association |url=https://www.uaefa.ae/en/club/525}}</ref>

{{fs start}} {{fs player|no=1|nat=SYR|pos=GK|name=Abdullah Al-Okla}} {{fs player|no=3|nat=GHA|pos=MF|name=Kofi Kissi}} {{fs player|no=6|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Archie Woods]]}} {{fs player|no=7|nat=SWE|pos=FW|name=[[Robin Quaison]]}} {{fs player|no=8|nat=NED|pos=MF|name=[[Leroy Fer]]}} {{fs player|no=9|nat=ZAM|pos=FW|name=[[Enock Sakala]]}} {{fs player|no=10|nat=CMR|pos=MF|name=[[John Nchindo]]}} {{fs player|no=11|nat=BRA|pos=MF|name=[[Weberty Silva]]}} {{fs player|no=12|nat=UAE|pos=GK|name=Ali Al-Kaabi}} {{fs player|no=13|nat=SUD|pos=GK|name=Ahmed Zain}} {{fs player|no=14|nat=ESP|pos=FW|name=Pablo Gomez|other={{small|^'''U19'''}}}} {{fs player|no=15|nat=ALG|pos=MF|name=Lotfi Machou}} {{fs player|no=17|nat=SYR|pos=MF|name=Qais Al-Safadi|other={{small|^'''U19'''}}}} {{fs player|no=18|nat=UAE|pos=MF|name=Rashed Oyoun}} {{fs player|no=19|nat=SYR|pos=MF|name=Abdullah Bashammakh|other={{small|^'''U21'''}}}} {{fs player|no=20|nat=UAE|pos=MF|name=[[Saeed Al-Abdouli]]}} {{fs mid}} {{fs player|no=21|nat=UAE|pos=GK|name=Masoud Al-Mansouri|other={{small|^'''U21'''}}}} {{fs player|no=22|nat=UAE|pos=MF|name=[[Khalid Ghuloom]]}} {{fs player|no=23|nat=EGY|pos=DF|name=Mahmoud Saber}} {{fs player|no=24|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=Oscar Kelly}} {{fs player|no=26|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Miles Fenton}} {{fs player|no=64|nat=AUS|pos=MF|name=Xavier Dalpra|other={{small|^'''U19'''}}}} {{fs player|no=74|nat=ZAM|pos=FW|name=Emmanuel Mutale|other={{small|^'''U21'''}}}} {{fs player|no=77|nat=MAR|pos=MF|name=El Mehdi El Khamlichi}} {{fs player|no=81|nat=BUL|pos=DF|name=Faris Al-Jamali|other={{small|^'''U19'''}}}} {{fs player|no=87|nat=HKG|pos=MF|name=Jun-Hei Ryan Fok|other={{small|^'''U19'''}}}} {{fs player|no=88|nat=MOZ|pos=MF|name=Mario Zacarias|other={{small|^'''U21'''}}}} {{fs player|no=92|nat=SVK|pos=FW|name=Samuel El Khoury}} {{fs player|no=96|nat=IRQ|pos=DF|name=Ibrahim Al-Shammari|other={{small|^'''U21'''}}}} {{fs player|no=98|nat=UAE|pos=DF|name=Matar Al-Dowais|other={{small|^'''U21'''}}}} {{fs player|no=99|nat=EGY|pos=MF|name=[[Hassan Sameh]]}} {{fs end}}

===Out on loan=== {{fs start}} {{fs player|nat=CMR|pos=MF|name=Cédrick Nana|other={{small|on loan to [[United FC (Dubai)|United]]}}}} {{fs end}}

== Honours == *'''[[UAE Second Division League]]''' **Champions (1): 2022–23 *'''[[UAE Third Division League]]''' **Champions (1): 2021–22<ref>{{Cite web |title=UAE Football Association: GULF UNITED CROWNED CHAMPION OF THE FIRST EDITION OF THE THIRD DIVISION |url=https://www.uaefa.ae/news/30231 |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=uaefa.ae}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=البيان) |first=(دبي- |title="غلف يونايتد" بطل النسخة الأولى لدوري الدرجة الثالثة |url=https://www.albayan.ae/sports/emirates/2022-05-28-1.4444592 |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=albayan.ae |date=27 May 2022 |language=ar}}</ref>

== See also == {{Portal bar|UAE|Association football}} * [[List of football clubs in the United Arab Emirates]]

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == *{{Facebook|100063637026690}} *[https://globalsportsarchive.com/team/soccer/gulf-united-fc/53283/ Gulf United FC] at GSA *[https://www.besoccer.com/team/gulf-united-fc Gulf United FC] at BeSoccer *[https://sortitoutsi.net/football-manager-2023/team/2000171348/gulf-united Gulf United FC] at FootballManager

{{UAE Pro-League teamlist}}

[[Category:Football clubs in Dubai]] [[Category:Football clubs in the United Arab Emirates|Dubai City]] [[Category:Association football clubs established in 2019]] [[Category:2019 establishments in the United Arab Emirates]]