Morning
- Technical training session.
- UEFA-licensed coaching on the pitches before the heat peaks.
Program · Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Thedoors
openhere.
The professional game won't knock on your door. Phoenix United is a UAE FA–licensed professional club in Dubai — built in Dubai, designed for the world.
Two brothers · One vision
Builtbybrothers.
Designedfortheworld.
Phoenix United was built by two brothers — Bader and Amer Al-Akkad. The idea came from Bader's own story: when illness ended his playing career, he came back and built the club he wished had existed — one where professional football and a real education are part of the same path.
We hold one of the few professional licences the UAE FA has granted, and we use it to build players who go further on the pitch and arrive ready for everything beyond it.
Come for the football — everyone does. You'll leave with more than you came with: a degree, a network, a future you can build on. That's the part nobody else gives you.
League structure
Whereyou'llplayintheUAEpyramid.
UAE Third Division
The official professional competition in the Emirates. You are registered with the UAE FA and you play a real league season.
Minutes cannot be bought. They are earned.
Your place on the programme provides the platform. Playing time is dictated entirely by your work ethic — you fight for your spot every week.
100% exposure
Every match is officially recorded for tactical review and international recruitment.
ADNOC Pro LeagueTier 1
UAE First Division LeagueTier 2
UAE Second Division LeagueTier 3
UAE Third Division · Phoenix UnitedTier 4
The rhythm
Adayinthelife.
Afternoon
- Structured downtime.
- Dedicated hours for your university degree.
- Business masterclasses.
- High-performance recovery.
Evening
- Strength & conditioning or tactical video analysis.
- Physical conditioning designed by Harry Knock, former Chelsea FC Academy S&C coach.
- One-to-one performance reviews.
Weekend
- Match day in the UAE Third Division.
Where you live
YourbaseinDubai.
Where you live
- Premium hotel residence — 4-star accommodation.
- Full access to the fitness centre and recovery pools.
- Dedicated transport to all pitches and official matches.
Dubai — the hub
- One of the safest and most advanced cities on earth.
- Direct exposure to the international corporate world.
- Meet more people in a week here than a year in most places.
New signings
WelcometoPhoenix.
The players who took the step. Signed, registered and competing in Dubai.
Three clubs · One network
Oneyearhere.Threewaysforward.
Set on the US college route?
We can help you get there too. Our partner handles placement and recruitment into the American college system — so you keep playing while you earn your degree.
The team
Thepeoplebehindit.
Owners & Founders
Bader & Amer Al-Akkad
- Phoenix United CEO & Sporting Director.
Head Coach
Jamie Ward
- UEFA A licensed coach and former Northern Ireland international.
- 450+ professional appearances across England and international football.
Brand Ambassador
Danny Simpson
- Premier League winner.
Head of Recruitment
Ruben Rodriguez
- Played college football in the US.
- Since 2020 has placed 150+ players into American university programmes.
What's included
Everythingtheseasonasksfor.
On the pitch
- Daily training with UEFA-licensed coaches.
- Official player registration with the UAE FA.
- Matches in the UAE Third Division.
- Strength & conditioning to a Chelsea Academy methodology, programmed by Harry Knock.
- Official Phoenix United kit — training, travel, matchday.
Performance & exposure
- Every match officially recorded for tactical review and recruitment.
- Tactical video analysis to sharpen your game.
- One-to-one development and performance reviews.
- Creation of your personal highlight reel.
Living & support
- 4-star hotel accommodation in Dubai, 24/7 security.
- Full access to the hotel fitness centre and recovery pools.
- International medical insurance for training and matches.
- Physiotherapy, ice baths and recovery.
- 24/7 on-site player welfare.
Logistics
- Full UAE residency visa processing and legal sponsorship, handled by the club.
- Airport transfers.
- Private transport to training, gym and matches.
- Weekly laundry.
20
The ones who make it move first.
Twenty spots for the opening season. The players who make it are the ones who take the step before they feel ready, make mistakes, and fix them on the way. You bring the work — the platform is already here.
- Quality before quantity. If only seven players meet the standard of this club, the Founding Class will be exactly seven. We do not fill spots to make up the numbers.
- Take the initiative and earn your place, and you'll be part of something that doesn't end when the season does. More on that once you're inside.
Dubai · Founding Class 2026/27
Book your evaluation call.
See if you meet the standard for our squad. Pick a time below and we'll speak directly.