The UAE was the third biggest spender in the Arab world on international player signings in 2024, spending some USD 62.7 mn, according to a report (pdf) by Asharq Business. Saudi Arabia was the biggest spender, with USD 465 mn in signings, and Qatar came in second with USD 118 mn. Spending was up a whopping 107.6% y-o-y from 2023.

Shabab Al Ahli Dubai and Al Jazira ranked among the top-spending Arab football clubs in Asia on international transfers in 2024.

The income generated by Emirati football clubs from selling international players declined by 94.4% y-o-y to USD 388k in 2024. The total income generated by the UAE’s football clubs from 2020 to 2024 amounted to USD 12.1 mn, placing the country in the fifth position among top-income-generating leagues in the Arab world.

The regional picture: Arab clubs’ spending on international transfers fell 45.3% y-o-y to USD 667.7 mn in 2024, following a 12.5x growth clip to USD 1.2 bn in the previous year. Meanwhile, revenues from selling international players were up 40.5% y-o-y at USD 71.2 mn.

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