The amazing story of the UAE's qualification for the 1990 World Cup in Italy will be told for the first time in a new documentary.
The film, produced by Image Nation Abu Dhabi, will provide a nostalgic look into the most defining and iconic moment in UAE football history.
"The documentary will show how the UAE managed to get to the World Cup in Italy in 1990 - something which they did against all the odds," the documentary's director Nizar Sfair told 7DAYS. "The qualification was an amazing thing for the UAE and the region. This film will put that in historical context for everyone."
He added: "We have have just started the process of filming. We will film here in the UAE and abroad, but I don't want to say more than that at the moment."
Archive footage and brand new on-location shots will be used in the film, as well as interviews with the people who played a pivotal role in taking the country to the World Cup, including UAE team players, coaches, fans and journalists.
Image Nation is also asking the public to get involved by sharing their stories, experiences and memories.
"We can't say too much now about who will be involved," said Nizar. "Some names are confirmed, and the list will be added to as we go. We also really want the public involved with their stories."
The UAE qualified for the 1990 World Cup after winning a nail-biting Asia qualifying competition in Singapore in October 1989.
Although the UAE team lost all three of its games, to Colombia, West Germany, and Yugoslavia during the World Cup, their qualification booked their place in history as the country's 'golden generation'.
Jordanian national Amr Kamal, who has been living in the UAE for 30 years, said: "It was an amazing time. It was a huge accomplishment, not just for the UAE but also for the whole Arab world."
Although Emirati football fan Jafar Abdullah was as only two years old in 1990, the 26-year-old is aware of the impact the achievement had on his country.
"Even though we didn't win any games in Italy, the UAE made us proud and played their best," the Emirati research analyst told 7DAYS. "I really hope that I can witness the team making it to the World Cup again."
© 7Days 2014
