The UAE secured a 1-1 draw against two-time Asian champions Qatar in their final Group B match on Wednesday, finishing top of the group and earning a place in the Gulf Cup semifinals.
The result gave the UAE seven points from three matches, with Qatar finishing second on goal difference.
Ali Saleh Scores Late Equaliser
Qatar took the lead in the 33rd minute through Almoez Ali, putting the UAE under pressure for much of the first half.
However, the UAE responded just before the break. Ali Saleh scored in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time to level the match at 1-1.
Neither side could find a winning goal after the interval, leaving the UAE at the top of Group B.
UAE to Face Oman in Semifinal
The UAE will now face Oman in the Gulf Cup semifinal on October 3.
The other semifinal will see Qatar take on hosts Saudi Arabia on the same day.
The winners will advance to the Gulf Cup final, which is scheduled for October 6.
The UAE have enjoyed an impressive run in the tournament so far.
They began their campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory over Yemen before recording a 3-0 win against defending champions Bahrain.
The draw against Qatar completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign and ensured the UAE finished first in Group B.
Dalic Aims to Build UAE for the Future
The UAE are competing under new head coach Zlatko Dalic, who is tasked with rebuilding the national team and developing a combination of experienced players and emerging talent.
Dalic has a strong international record with Croatia. He guided the team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final in Russia and later led them to the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
His long-term objective with the UAE is to build a team capable of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.
The UAE have appeared at the World Cup only once, at Italia 1990, and have not returned to the tournament since.
The UAE have previously won the Gulf Cup in 2007 and 2013. Another title would provide a significant boost as Dalic works to shape the squad for future international competitions.
However, their immediate focus will be on overcoming Oman in the semifinal on October 3 and securing a place in the Gulf Cup final.