The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup is preparing for its biggest edition yet, with increased participation, an expanded girls’ competition and an enhanced tournament experience planned for January 2027.
The eighth edition will take place at Zayed Sports City from 8-10 January 2027, bringing young footballers from the UAE and around the world together for three days of competition.
Building on a record-breaking 2026 tournament, organisers are expanding the event both on and off the pitch. The 2027 edition will offer improved experiences for players and coaches, alongside greater recognition for standout individual performances.
More girls’ teams set for 2027 Abu Dhabi Cup
The tournament will feature eight age-group categories, with an increased number of girls’ teams competing in U12, U14 and U16 competitions.
Boys will compete across U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16 categories.
The expansion builds on the growth of girls’ participation at the tournament and gives more young female footballers the opportunity to compete at Zayed Sports City.
Alongside the team trophies, individual awards will recognise some of the tournament’s standout players and moments. These will include Goal of the Tournament and the Etihad Player of the Tournament.
Winning teams in line for City Football Group experience
Winning a category could also lead to an experience beyond the Abu Dhabi tournament.
All winning teams will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to visit a City Football Group club. The winning team will have the opportunity to train at a professional facility and watch a City Football Group first team in action.
Limited places remain for teams from both the region and overseas to participate in the eighth edition.
The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup has grown into Manchester City’s largest international football event globally, while organisers describe it as the region’s Tournament of Choice.
Football festival extends beyond the pitch
For visiting teams and families, the tournament will also offer opportunities to experience Abu Dhabi beyond the football competition.
Teams can visit some of the Emirate’s landmark attractions, including Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The football festival will once again be supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Experience Abu Dhabi, with thousands of players, coaches and families expected to visit the UAE capital.
Creating opportunities for young footballers
Simon Hewitt, Tournament Director, and Director of Football Operations MENA, said the competition provides young players with an opportunity to compete while experiencing the wider festival atmosphere.
“The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup is the Middle East’s largest grassroots tournament in the region, providing a platform for boys and girls to not only showcase their skills at the region’s premier football facility – Zayed Sports City but also have fun and make new friends in what will be an amazing festival atmosphere.”
“The competition also aligns with Manchester City’s commitment of providing opportunities for young people to play and get active while also helping grow the sport at grassroots level. With places filling up fast, we encourage as many teams as possible to not miss out and be part of the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup 2027 where players, coaches and parents can create fantastic memories on and off the pitch.”
Teams interested in competing can register through the official Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup 2027 registration page.
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