‘Football unites us rather than divides us”

Former Emirati player Jamal Buhindi reflects on the importance of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and the unity it brings to Arab nations Doha, Qatar:...

Former Emirati player Jamal Buhindi reflects on the importance of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and the unity it brings to Arab nations

Doha, Qatar: For former Emirati player Jamal Buhindi, representing one’s nation on the international stage is the highest honour any player can achieve. As the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 approaches, Buhindi looks forward to seeing the next generation of Emirati players take the field with pride and passion.

“There’s nothing greater than carrying your nation’s flag on the world stage and I believe this is a dream for every athlete. Playing for the national team is how we give back to our country, how we honour where we come from.”

In recent years, Buhindi has transitioned into football administration, serving as a member of the board and executive for a number of UAE clubs. Earlier in his career, he made significant contributions developing Emirati youth football, credited with leading a youth team to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Nigeria. He also served as a director and manager of the UAE Olympic U-23 team.

For Buhindi, this tournament offers a platform to celebrate Arab culture and unity: “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."