UAE Pro League preseason camps gather pace as clubs head abroad for intensive training and friendlies
UAE Pro League preseason camps are underway as clubs travel to Austria, Slovenia, Spain and Morocco for intensive training, friendlies and tactical work ahead of the new season.
Shabab Al Ahli begin Austrian phase under new coach André Jardine
Shabab Al Ahli have departed for Austria to begin an overseas camp that runs until August 2, the club’s first under new Brazilian coach André Jardine. The squad will focus on intense fitness work and tactical training designed to integrate Jardine’s methods ahead of competitive action.
The camp schedule includes a series of closed training sessions and planned friendly games to sharpen match tempo and evaluate squad options. Club officials said the Austrian environment will provide controlled conditions to accelerate adaptation before the domestic schedule resumes.
Sharjah and Al Nasr set Slovenia and Austria itineraries
Sharjah’s delegation has flown to Slovenia for a preparation camp that extends until August 1 and will include five friendly matches. The program is structured to give the head coach opportunities to test formations and fringe players across a concentrated run of games.
Al Nasr will also head to Austria for a two-phase camp that runs until July 30, with the first stage planned in Bad Tatzmannsdorf through July 21 and a second stage in Vösendorf to finish the program. The club has scheduled four friendly fixtures to maintain game-readiness and finalise selection decisions.
Khor Fakkan, Kalba and Ajman pursue tailored overseas plans
Khor Fakkan’s delegation has travelled to Turkey where the team will contest three friendly matches as part of its preparation plan. The Turkish camp is aimed at fine-tuning defensive organisation and set-piece routines ahead of the league campaign.
Kalba will move to Slovenia in the coming days to play four preparation matches, using the European schedule to build cohesion and sharpen counter-attacking patterns. Ajman will depart next Monday for Serbia for a 19-day camp that includes several friendlies and concludes with the squad’s return on July 31.
Al Dhafra and Al Ain outline multi-stage camps with European opposition
Al Dhafra are due to leave on Tuesday for Slovenia where they will hold a camp that runs until August 2, including four scheduled friendly matches. The club’s preparation focuses on balancing physical conditioning with tactical drills against a variety of opponent styles.
Al Ain, fresh from domestic success, will conduct a two-phase international preparation, beginning with a stage in Morocco before transferring to Spain on July 27 for the second phase. The Spanish leg is set to include five matches against European teams, forming a central part of the club’s ambitious build-up for the new season.
Five clubs already in Europe: Al Wahda, Baniyas, Al Wasl, Al Jazira, Hatta and United plans
Several clubs have already commenced their overseas preparations, with Al Wahda arriving in Germany to begin its program after winning the domestic League Cup. Baniyas and Al Wasl opened camps in the Netherlands, with Al Wasl continuing after an initial domestic phase in Dubai.
Al Jazira has entered the friendly-match phase of its Dutch camp and will play six practice matches during the month. Hatta have chosen Serbia as their base, while United have elected Latvia for their external camp, seeking competitive minutes against regional and continental opposition.
Match schedules, fitness goals and coaching priorities
Clubs across the UAE Pro League are prioritising a mix of friendly fixtures, set-piece work and conditioning drills to ensure players reach peak match fitness. Coaches are using the controlled environments of European and regional camps to test tactical systems, rehabilitate injured players, and integrate new signings.
Friendlies are being scheduled to replicate the tempo of league matches and to provide varied challenges, with several teams planning five or more test games. The concentrated camps also enable backroom staff to conduct detailed performance analysis and adjust training loads ahead of the season’s competitive demands.
Outlook for the start of the season and player readiness
The staggered return of teams from overseas camps will shape the final weeks of domestic preparation, as clubs finalise squads and confirm tactical plans. Managers will use the remaining friendly fixtures to make definitive selections and set starting line-ups for the season opener.
With camps spread across Austria, Slovenia, Spain, Morocco, Germany, the Netherlands, Serbia and Latvia, the UAE Pro League preseason camps reflect a clear emphasis on international exposure and competitive readiness. Clubs aim to translate these preparations into strong early-season performances and sustained form.
Preparations conclude with domestic fine-tuning before season kick-off
As clubs return from their overseas programs, they will complete final training sessions and dress rehearsals at home venues before the league begins. The coming weeks will reveal which teams have best converted their preseason work into consistent performance and which have areas needing further attention.