Dubai: The Gulf Cup, arguably the most anticipated sports event in the UAE, is attracting an enthusiastic new breed of fans among the local population - Emirati women.
Female audiences have grown significantly since the Gulf Cup was inaugurated in 1968, and although still a minority in the crowd, pockets of black can be seen increasingly among the largely white-clad spectators.
However, despite the growing enthusiasm of UAE national women, many are still reluctant to watch the matches live in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE has never won the prized football trophy, although it has reached the finals three times. This year marks the third time the competition will be held here, after a gap of 12 years.
Lubna Mansour says she tries to leave work early to catch matches the UAE plays in. For her, the Gulf Cup is the biggest sporting event in the UAE "since we do not usually qualify for the World Cup."
This year's cup, says Lubna, is especially important because it is being hosted by the UAE, but she refuses to attend the matches for "social reasons."
"It is a pity, though. I would love to go, but what would my grandparents think if they saw me among ten thousand men?" she told Gulf News, adding that she also fears being harassed by men in the crowd.
Madiha Humaid has never been to a live football match, but says she won't miss it if the UAE reaches the finals.
She says her parents would not object to her going to football matches but admits that "they are probably a minority" among UAE national parents.
Noora Bint Sabt also thinks there is nothing wrong with going to a stadium to watch the matches but says she prefers to watch on television at home, where up to 15 women meet to cheer for the national team, including friends, relatives, neighbours and maids.
"You should see how loud the women scream when a goal is scored. My mother is more excited about the games than we are," she said.
The UAE-Kuwait match was the first time Roudha Al Merri attended a live football game.
According to her, the organisers have made efforts to accommodate women. Although regular seats are not officially reserved for men, women largely avoid them, choosing instead to sit in areas designated for families.
"They respect our privacy and make us feel comfortable," said Roudha.
With additional inputs from Yasir Abbasher, Staff Reporter
