MAGNAV Emirates

UAE Pro League 2025/26
Who’s Rising, Who’s Struggling, and What to Expect

By Ruba Al Sarahneh

The UAE Pro League

As the 2025/26 UAE Pro League season kicks off, the spotlight is once again on the 14 clubs preparing for what promises to be a demanding and unpredictable campaign. For casual followers, the league can be tricky to follow, with new signings, managerial shifts, and varying team ambitions shaping the competition. This preview breaks down each team’s early form, strengths, and vulnerabilities, giving fans a clearer sense of where the excitement, drama, and pressure points are likely to unfold this season.

TITLE CONTENDERS

Shabab Al-Ahli

The reigning champions remain the team to beat. With Sardar Azmoun leading a strong attack and plenty of depth across the pitch, Shabab Al-Ahli looks sharp again. Their attacking play is creative and fluid, but as always, defensive focus in big games will decide how far they can go in defending their crown.

Al Ain

The most successful club in UAE football history has started brightly under Vladimir Ivic. Their forward line is firing, and Soufiane Rahimi remains a constant threat. Yet, defensive lapses and adapting to managerial change will be their biggest challenges. If they stay consistent, they’ll be right in the title mix.

Al Nasr

Built on defensive organization, Al Nasr has started with discipline and control. Their back line looks rock solid, and they’ve yet to concede against weaker sides. The real test will be whether they can handle pressing teams that disrupt their rhythm — if they can, they’re genuine contenders.

Al Wasl

With one of the most expensive squads in the league, Al Wasl has the firepower to challenge for the top. They can score goals with ease, but defensive instability has already been exposed. If they can strike the right balance, they have the quality to push Al Ain and Shabab Al-Ahli all the way.

The UAE Pro League

CHASING THE TOP FOUR

Al Wahda

Al Wahda looks balanced across midfield and defense, but a lack of finishing power has held them back from maximum points. If their forwards find their shooting boots, they could easily turn into dark horses for the title race.

Sharjah

A dangerous side going forward, but defensive mistakes have cost them points early. Their ability to tighten up at the back will determine whether they hover around mid-table or push higher into contention.

Al Jazira

With big names like Nabil Fekir pulling the strings, Al Jazira has the talent to trouble any opponent. The challenge lies in cutting out defensive errors and maintaining focus — consistency has long been their Achilles’ heel.

The UAE Pro League

MID-TABLE BATTLERS

Khor Fakkan

Entertaining but unpredictable, Khor Fakkan has shown attacking promise but remains leaky at the back. Expect high-scoring matches — both for and against.

Al Bataeh

Capable of upsets but lacking structure, Al Bataeh will need to organize both its defense and midfield if it wants to stay clear of trouble.

Ittihad Kalba

Solid defensively but short on goals, Kalba has struggled to turn games in its favor. Without more firepower up front, they may slip down the table.

Al Dhafra

Competitive but inconsistent, Al Dhafra looks evenly balanced between scoring and conceding. To push up the table, they’ll need sharper finishing and stronger defensive resolve.

IN THE DANGER ZONE

Dibba

With two losses and six goals conceded in their first outings, Dibba’s defense has been torn apart too easily. Unless they tighten up quickly, they’ll be locked in a relegation fight.

Baniyas

Two straight defeats without scoring have put Baniyas in early trouble. Weak up front and shaky at the back, urgent improvements are needed to escape the drop zone.

Ajman

Like Baniyas, Ajman has yet to find the net and already looks under pressure. Both ends of the pitch require reinforcement if they want to avoid a long, difficult season.

The early rounds of the 2025/26 UAE Pro League have already given us a glimpse of what lies ahead: a fierce title race at the top, unpredictable mid-table swings, and an intense relegation battle brewing at the bottom. Shabab Al-Ahli and Al Ain look set to lead the charge, while Al Nasr and Al Wasl won’t be far behind. Yet, as always in Emirati football, surprises are certain. Whether it’s a smaller side upsetting a giant or a star signing lifting their team into contention, fans can expect a season full of goals, drama, and storylines that stretch well beyond the scoreline.