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The United Arab Emirates' desire to host the FIFA Club World Cup -- which it is doing this year and next -- needs to be put into a wider sporting context to be fully understood.

It is not just that the Emirates wanted to host one of the world's most prestigious club tournaments, it is that it wanted to make the competition part of a series of high-end sporting events to which it could lay claim.

Over the past few years, the country has worked hard to establish itself as a business and tourist hub. This year saw it add a third dimension, with the UAE attempting to position itself as one of the world's premier sporting destinations: a magnet for top-class football, motor sports, golf and tennis events.

The centerpiece was the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November. That was followed by the inaugural Dubai World Championship golf tournament three weeks later, which is the end-of-season climax to the re-branded Race to Dubai, which used to be known as the far less exciting-sounding European Tour Order of Merit.

November also saw Dubai host FIFA's Beach Soccer World Cup -- a sport where the hosts are now so good that they actually beat Brazil in Rio de Janeiro this summer.

Pakistan, which is unable to play international cricket in its homeland at present due to security issues, took on New Zealand in a five-match series in Abu Dhabi and Dubai during November. In January, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will, for the second year running, play in the invitational Capitala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.

The northern emirate of Ras al-Khaimah was also ready to host the America's Cup race in February, until a New York court ruled in late October that the race had to be held in the southern hemisphere.

Such an array of events opens the UAE to a wide variety of sporting tourists and, perhaps even more importantly, gives the country exposure and prominence to fans watching around the world.

But, despite the wide choice of sports, football is still king in the Emirates.

FIFA awarded the UAE back-to-back Club World Cups in May 2008, with a $5 million donation to grassroots football helping the Emirates beat off competition from Australia and Japan, where the event will return in 2011.

"I am sure that part of our bid made a big difference," admits Mohammed al-Mahmood, chief executive of Abu Dhabi Sports Council. "I think it is fair to say it could have made the difference between success and failure."

Before this year, the only FIFA competition to have been held in the UAE was the '03 World Youth Cup.

"They said then that they wanted a bigger event and this is it," says FIFA president Sepp Blatter. "The executive committee was unanimously in favor of the UAE bid and is very proud to take this competition there."

In the 16 months since the UAE was awarded the Club World Cup, a lot has happened in the world of Emirati football. On the ownership front, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bought Manchester City, while Sulaiman al-Fahim managed to buy and sell Portsmouth in a matter of months.

On the pitch, the UAE Under-19 team won the Asian championship for the first time and followed it up by reaching the quarterfinals of the Under-20 World Cup. And the Under-16s came third in the Asian competition to earn a spot at the Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria.

But while the youngsters have been doing well on foreign fields, back at home, Abu Dhabi has been readying itself to host the likes of Barcelona and Estudiantes de La Plata in the Club World Cup.

Five of the tournament's eight games, including the final, will be held at Zayed Sports City, with the other three, including the opener between UAE title-holder Al-Ahli and Oceania champion Auckland City on Wednesday, at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.

Both grounds have been improved significantly, with $20 million spent on the latter, raising its capacity from 15,000 to 42,000. Zayed Sports City's stadium will hold 45,000 and has new dressing rooms, hospitality areas and an upgraded royal box. Both venues will be alcohol-free and have dedicated female-only and family stands.

The grass on both pitches was shipped in from Panama, with seeds being sprayed on to them via hydro-sprigging, a technique which is normally used on golf courses and means those planting the seeds do not have to walk directly on to the area they are treating. The pitches were then put through 15 different tests, ranging from making sure the ball bounces correctly to checking the color and evenness of the grass.

"We are really impressed by what we have seen today, both in terms of the playing and training facilities, and the tremendous hospitality shown to us by the people of the UAE," said Albert Perrín, a Barcelona board member, when his club visited the UAE capital in September to check on the facilities.

"December promises to be an exciting month of football here and we sincerely hope that the next time we leave the UAE, it will be as Club World Cup champions."

Marketing deal: While the absence of an English team will mean less traveling supporters, a considerable number of fans are still expected to make the short trip from Saudi Arabia. Barcelona's presence has been widely welcomed due to its four-year marketing deal with Etisalat, which is the Emirates' biggest telecommunications company. Special charter flights have also been arranged from Barcelona, while the Emirates is home to around 2,000 Spaniards.

There have been concerns that the matches will be played in half-empty stadiums. Last season, games in the Pro League -- the top division in the UAE -- averaged less than 2,500 fans, but around 18,000 were at the Mohammed bin Zayed stadium to watch Sheikh Mansour's Al-Jazira draw 2-2 with Al-Ain in October.

A test event was also held at Zayed Sports City in November, with the UAE national team taking on Manchester City in a friendly, and organizers are buoyed by the fact that the grand prix and this year's Capitala tennis event were both sold out.

They have made match tickets available that are affordable for almost every section of society, pricing them from $2.70 to $82. The cheapest ticket to watch Barcelona in their semifinal is just $4.10.

"I am 100 percent confident that we will attract big crowds for all of the matches," added al-Mahmood. "I feel sure the event will be a major success."

He is also confident that the tournament will not be affected by problems with supporters, who will be entertained outside the stadiums in designated fan zones. "The reputation of this country is such that we are not regarding security as an issue," he said. "We are providing other ways for them to enjoy themselves."

Mohamed al-Rumaithi, president of the UAE Football Association, says of the Club World Cup: "It is a unique opportunity for the people here to be part of an historic international event. Some of the biggest names in football will be playing right here in our backyard for the very first time."

FIFA.com

With only 100 days to go until the start of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 presented by TOYOTA, tickets for the tournament officially went on sale today. FIFA and the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) are encouraging fans to act quickly in order to secure their seats and avoid disappointment when this prestigious event comes to the UAE for the first time in December.

Tickets for the tournament, being held at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium and Zayed Stadium between 9-19 December, can be purchased by logging on to www.FIFA.com/uae2009 or calling 800-5425 or +971 2 449 9955 (if you are calling from overseas).

The official launch took place at the Emirates Palace and was attended by Chuck Blazer, member of the FIFA Executive Committee and chairman of the FIFA Club World Cup Organising Committee, along with Yousuf Abdullah, General Secretary of the UAEFA and His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mahmood, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

Speaking at the event, Yousuf Abdullah, said: "The new world champion of club football will be crowned in Abu Dhabi in December and this is a unique opportunity for the people of the UAE to be part of an historic international event. Some of the biggest names in football will be playing right here in our backyard for the very first time."

The final match schedule will not be complete until November when the respective AFC and CAF Champions League finals are contested, but there is already great demand for tickets. The opening match will pit the UAE's Al Ahli FCD against OFC Champions League winners Auckland City, whilst the semi-finals will feature FC Barcelona in one tie and Argentinian side Estudiantes de la Plata, captained by Juan Sebastian Veron, in the other.

Chuck Blazer said: "This competition goes from strength to strength every year. I remember Sir Alex Ferguson saying last year that whatever the club goes on to achieve in the future, people will always be able to look back at the records and see that in 2008, Manchester United were the champions of world club football."

"I know that people in the UAE are very passionate about their football and with both stadiums having undergone extensive refurbishment, I am sure fans will enjoy a fantastic tournament."

Ticket prices and packages
Tickets are available in four price categories for each matchday and have been designed with affordability and accessibility in mind. The price categories reflect the variation in views of the pitch. Ticket prices start from as little as AED 10 for category four tickets and go up to AED 300 for category one tickets for the closing ceremony and the final.

Female and family stands
To ensure the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 is an event that can be attended and enjoyed by everyone, dedicated female-only and family stands will be available at both stadiums.

Off the pitch, spectators will also be able to enjoy a football fan zone which will include a range of entertainment activities for the whole family as well as merchandise stores and food and beverage outlets. The fan zone will open two hours before every match.

Advance purchase and reserved seating
The public will be required to purchase tickets in advance and all ticket holders will be assigned specific seats in line with FIFA competition requirements.

At the time of ticket purchase, customers will be allocated a seat in their requested price category and will be able to view the zone in the stadium where they will be seated. All customers who purchase tickets online or by phone will receive a confirmation e-mail or text message.

In recognition of Visa's valued sponsorship, FIFA prefers Visa.

Media accreditation
All members of the media must be registered on the FIFA Media Channel in order to apply for accreditation for the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009. The accreditation process will open in early October. To register, click on the link on the right-hand panel.

An array of the world’s top sporting stars, together with an audience of 250 coaches, officials, invited dignitaries, guests and senior representatives from FIFA, the Local Organising Committee and leading UAE sporting bodies, gathered in Dubai for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009, Official Draw. The result was that the United Arab Emirates, the host team, will cross swords with Portugal in their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup curtain-raiser.

The Official Draw, determining the four groups of teams for the tournament, was conducted by Joan Cusco, FIFA Beach Soccer Committee Member, assisted by H.H Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hasher Al-Maktoum, Olympic gold medallist, Ramiro Amarelle (Spain), 2008 adidas golden ball, Bakhit Saad UAE star player and Christian Karembeu (France), 1998 World Champion.

The ceremony held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, in the presence of H.H. Sheik Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Deputy Chairman of Dubai Sports Council (DSC), Dr. Ahmed Al-Sharif, Secretary General of DSC, and Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, President of the UAE Football Association.

In his opening speech Thierry Weil, FIFA Director and Member of the FIFA Beach Soccer SL Board, explained that it is exactly two years and one day to be precise, since FIFA announced to the world that Dubai would be the organising host city of the Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 and that he has been impressed by the progress this far. “Dubai is an ideal location for the tournament because of the emirate’s visionary leadership, the passion for sports and fantastic facilities. We are all extremely confident that we will have a very successful championship, both on and off the pitch and that Dubai will be the centre of worldwide attention from over 150 territories,” said Weil.

According to Dr. Ahmed Al-Sharif Secretary General of DSC the Official Draw event was a spectacular celebration of the sport of Beach Soccer and an indicator of the dynamic showcase to come. “Here in Dubai we have only one standard and that is excellence. We offer our commitment to FIFA and to spectators both here in the UAE and across the globe, that through a unique partnership and fruitful cooperation we will make this a Beach Soccer World Cup to remember; an event that will last in all of our hearts and memories for many years to come.”

Marcelo Mendes UAE coach declared of the draw results, “It is a strong group however I am confident about my team’s options. We have gained experience during the past tournaments and have been working hard the past two years to be ready. I’m positive about our chances to reach the semi finals”

The tournament, that runs from 16th – 22nd of November, originated from the fabled Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and in this, the fifth to be governed by FIFA, the new temporary home will be the paradise location of Jumeirah in the heart of new Dubai, where sixteen of the best beach soccer teams in the world will battle it out on Arabian sands. This is only the second time that the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup has been held outside of Brazil (the other location being Marseille, France in 2008) and is the tournament’s first time on Asian sand.

Majed Mohsen performed the master of ceremonies duties at the Official Draw, staged at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The ceremony incorporated cutting edge, composite projection on to 30 metre screens suspended beneath 5 metre magical, animated spheres.

The UAE will take on Portugal in their opening match of the 2009 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup to be played at the Jumeirah Beach from November 16-22.

The draw ceremony, held at the Dubai World Centre late on Thursday, saw the hosts being drawn to face the European runners-up in their opener at 7.30 pm on November 16.

The draw was witnessed by Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and was conducted by Joan Cusco, member of the Fifa Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee, with assistance from the UAE’s Olympic gold medalist Shaikh Ahmad Hasher Al Maktoum; 1998 French World Cup star Christian Karembeu; Spanish star striker and 2008 adidas golden ball winner Ramiro Amarelle and UAE skipper Bakhit Saad.

Some of the top dignitaries present were Mattar Al Tayer, Deputy Chairman, Dubai Sports Council (DSC), Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi, President, UAE Football Association, Salah Tahak, Tournament Director and Dr. Ahmad Saad Al Sharif, Secretary General, DSC.

“This is going to be one huge challenge, but one that we are ready and willing to face before our home crowd,” Saad remarked after the draw.

Despite being drawn in a tough group, Marcelo Mendes, the UAE’s Brazilian coach was confident of making at least the semifinals of the week-long competition. “I trust my players and I am confident in their abilities to deliver when it matters most. We have been training together for the past two years and the players have gained adequate experience playing in some tough matches and competitions during our build-up to this event,” Mendes noted.

Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi spelt out that the promotion of beach soccer in the UAE is one of the priorities before the UAEFA. “The UAE are the Asian champions and this will be their second time at a World Cup,” Al Rumaithi stated.

Spain’s Ramiro Amarelle, who went on to win the adidas golden ball in Marseille last year, saw the UAE among the prime challengers for a place in the knockout stages of the competition. “It’s a tough group for them [UAE], but the spectators will benefit by seeing some exciting matches,” Amarelle stated.

Karembeu, who flew in especially for Thursday’s draw ceremony, hoped to see European champions Spain take on three-time and defending world champions Brazil in the November 22 final. “A final like this will be great for the sport and Dubai,” Karembeu said.

The beach soccer tournament originated from the fabled Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as the Beach Soccer World Championship way back in 1994. However, in 2004, Beach Soccer Worldwide aligned itself with Fifa to create the current competition.

After the first three editions held in Brazil, the competition moved for the first time to Marseille, France (2008), where Brazil went on to be crowned world champions for a third straight time. And hosting the 16-team event here will be the first time for an Asian country to organize the Beach Soccer World Cup.

Groups

* Group A: UAE, Portugal, Uruguay, Solomon Islands
* Group B: Spain, Asia 1, Cote d'Ivoire, El Salvador
* Group C: Russia, Costa Rica, Argentina, Italy
* Group D: Brazil, Nigeria, Switzerland, Asia 2