Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday received at Za'abeel Palace members of the UAE national football team, winners of the 21st Gulf Cup Championship.
Shaikh Mohammad ordered the payment of Dh50 million as a bonus to the members of the UAE national football team in appreciation to their achievement of winning the 21st Gulf Cup championship.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, was present.
UAE team captain Esmail Mattar presented the Gulf Cup to Shaikh Mohammad, who shook hands with members of the team and technical staff, and congratulated them on this massive achievement that brought joy to people from the UAE and GCC.
“I have followed your training sessions and matches very closely, particularly the final with Iraq. I was very happy with the national cohesiveness you have shown on the pitch, and with Emirati fans, whose support reflected the dedication they have for their nation,” said Shaikh Mohammad.
The meeting was attended by Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Community Development, Major General Mohammad Al Merri, Director General of the Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Yousuf Al Serkal, President of the UAE Football Association, and other senior officials were present.
On Saturday, the squad met President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Al Rawdha Palace in Al Ain.
Shaikh Khalifa granted Dh50 million to the UAE national football team for their Gulf Cup victory.
Other offers also poured in for the team members.
Shaikha Hind Bint Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, donated Dh25 million to the football team.
The sons of His Higness Shaikh Hamdam Bin Rashid al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, expressed their appreciation to the team's effort, with Shaikh Rashid and Shaikh Saeed offering Dh12 million in "appreciation of the achievement made by the team", WAM reported.
News agency Barq Al Emirates has reportedly offered Dh41,000 reward to UAE player Omar Abdul Rahman, who was named best player.
