WAM ABU DHABI: President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan today gave directives to allocate six airplanes to operate flights to carry football fans to Bahrain to support the UAE national football team in the semi-final game of the 21st Gulf Cup of Nations (Khaleeji 21) next Tuesday.

The initiative is in support of the national football team in its forthcoming match, in recognition of its good performance as well as in response to calls by the fans to provide moral support to the team in the tournament.

Two flights will take off from Abu Dhabi to carry supports who should register at Al Jazira Club. Two flights will take off from Al Ain City where supporters should register at Al Ain Club. and another two flights will carry supporters from Dubai and Sharjah. Supporters from Dubai and the northern regions should register at the head office of the UAE Football Association (UAE FA) in Al Khawaneej area, Dubai.

The association took measures to streamline the supporters' two-way trip of fans in Bahrain between the airport and the stadium as well as their access to the venue of the match.

The association also set up a team led by Faisal Ismael, head of Public Relations and Services, to streamline registration and travel procedures in coordination with public relations officers at the said clubs.

Registration will be commence at the clubs at 10 am and closes at 5 pm on Saturday 12 January.

WAM/MMYS