UAE's historic 1990 FIFA World Cup story to be told on film for the first time

ABU DHABI-  The incredible story of the UAE’s historic qualification for the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy will be told in a new documentary film from Image Nation Abu Dhabi.

Shooting is about to begin and will feature everyone who took the country to glory, from the players and coaches to the fans and journalists who followed the team on the road to Italia 90.

In addition, Image Nation is asking the public to become involved by telling their own stories and sharing their memories, which will become an important part of the documentary-making process.

 “A huge factor in deciding to make this documentary is our ability to tell properly of the most important events in UAE Sports history,” said Image Nation Chairman Mohammed Al Mubarak.

“This is completely different from any other project we have produced. We have assembled a world-class team to bring the story to life and can’t wait to start hearing anecdotes from the public so they too can be involved in the filming process. 

This is not only about producing a really entertaining film, but will also serve as a historical document that finally details the legacy of what those players achieved for both UAE and Middle East football.”

The UAE reached the 1990 World Cup by winning an incredibly dramatic Asia qualifying competition in Singapore that was held in October 1989.

Given little chance against strong teams from nations such as China, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, North Korea and Qatar, the team of players, from across the Emirates, made it – and have since gone down in folklore as the “golden generation”.

The film, which will combine archive footage, interviews and new on-location shots, is being led by Creative Producer Stevan Riley and UAE-based Director Nizar Sfair. Riley, acclaimed for films such as the award-winning Fire in Babylon, and Sfair, who has won widespread praise in the region for his short films, are working closely together on developing the story of the UAE’s path to Italia 90.

Image Nation has developed four ways that the public can get in touch with their own stories and to join the conversation.