Dubai, UAE – 3 August 2026
The UAE Football Association (UAEFA) successfully concluded the New Match Commissioners Course and the Certified Match Commissioners Workshop, held over four days at Mövenpick Hotel Al Bustan in Dubai. The programs brought together 300 new participants and 120 certified match commissioners as part of the Association’s ongoing strategy to develop national talent and enhance the quality of football competition management across the UAE.
Obaid Salem Al Shamsi, Second Vice President of the UAE Football Association and Chairman of the Competitions Committee, emphasized that developing and qualifying football professionals remains a cornerstone of the Association’s strategic vision. He highlighted the importance of continuing educational and training initiatives that strengthen the readiness of all stakeholders involved in the organization and administration of domestic football competitions.
“The UAE Football Association is committed to supporting and developing young national talents within the competitions system through specialized programs that enhance both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise,” Al Shamsi said. “These initiatives contribute to standardizing operational procedures, improving preparedness, and keeping pace with the remarkable progress of UAE football.”
He added that match commissioners play a vital role in the successful organization of football matches, given the significant responsibilities they undertake, which require precision, professionalism, and the ability to manage a wide range of situations effectively. He also stressed the importance of continuous professional development and knowledge sharing between newly qualified and experienced match commissioners.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to all lecturers, participants, and organizing teams whose dedication contributed to the success of these programs. We are confident that the outcomes of both the course and the workshop will further strengthen the quality of our competitions and enhance organizational excellence,” he said.
The final day featured a keynote lecture titled “A Calm Mind in High-Pressure Environments: Neuroscience, Human Performance and Decision-Making for Match Commissioners,” delivered by Professor David Forbes, Clinical Psychologist and Academic Director at Al Amal Mental Health Hospital, alongside Dr. Ammar Hameed Al Banna, Director of Al Amal Mental Health Hospital and Consultant Psychiatrist.
The session focused on developing psychological resilience, improving decision-making under pressure, and enhancing professional communication skills in demanding working environments, providing participants with practical tools to support their performance during football competitions.
Participants in the New Match Commissioners Course also completed a written assessment designed to evaluate their readiness to perform match commissioner duties after completing a comprehensive training program covering the role of the match commissioner, competition regulations, operational procedures, media-related responsibilities, and match reporting.
Meanwhile, certified match commissioners underwent specialized examinations on the latest competition regulations and amendments to reinforce their knowledge and ensure they remain fully prepared to carry out their responsibilities in line with the evolving requirements of the UAEFA competitions system.
Participants who successfully pass the written assessment will advance to the next phase of practical training through field visits to clubs across the UAE. These visits will provide firsthand exposure to the match commissioner working environment and enable participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the course, ensuring their comprehensive preparation for future assignments.
The course and workshop form part of a series of regular development programs organized by the UAE Football Association as part of its long-term commitment to investing in national talent and strengthening the capabilities of football professionals across the country.
