DUBAI,— UAE football fans have claimed every seat on six charter flights to Jeddah in less than 10 minutes, according to local media.

The rush followed the opening of registration by the UAE Football Association for fans traveling to Tuesday’s Gulf Cup final against Saudi Arabia.

The association had arranged six aircraft to carry supporters to Saudi Arabia after the national team qualified for the final.

The association hoped to secure a strong Emirati presence in the stands. The rush began shortly after registration opened at 1 p.m. UAE time, turning a routine booking into a race for seats.

Local media reported that all available seats were taken within minutes.

The surge came one day after the UAE beat Oman 1-0 in Jeddah to reach its first Gulf Cup final since 2018. The result revived hopes of ending a 13-year wait for regional glory.

The UAE will face Saudi Arabia, which beat Asian champions Qatar in a penalty shootout, on Tuesday at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

The UAE is seeking a third Gulf Cup title, after its wins in 2007 and 2013. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is bidding to end a nearly 22-year wait for a Gulf Cup title.

With every seat claimed almost as soon as it became available, the rapid sellout gave an early indication of the atmosphere expected at King Abdullah Sports City on Tuesday, where a sizeable contingent of Emirati supporters is expected to attend.

(With files from Reuters)

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