UAE Sports Community Mourns the Passing of Abdullah Saqr
Abdullah Saqr, esteemed Emirati football coach and author, passes away at 73, leaving behind a legacy in both sports and literature.
Abdullah Saqr, a prominent figure in Emirati sports, passed away at the age of 73. A funeral service is scheduled for Sunday afternoon to honor his legacy.
Saqr is widely recognized for his contributions to football in the UAE, particularly as the head coach of the youth squad and senior teams.
Throughout his career, Saqr held various coaching positions, including serving as head coach of the Al Shabab club, also known as Shabab Al Ahli.
He was also the coach of Hatta Club.
Notably, he was part of the coaching staff for the UAE national team during multiple editions of the Gulf Cup, specifically in 1982, 1984, 1988, and 1993.
In 2001, Saqr took on the role of head coach for the UAE national team, guiding them during the AFC World Cup qualification process for the 2002 tournament.
His influence extended to youth development, where he earned the nickname 'The Star Maker' for his ability to identify and nurture young talent.
He played a significant role in developing players who contributed to the UAE Premier League, including notable names such as Essa Mohamed, Essa Obaid, Adel Darwish, Dawood Ali, Walid Abbas, and Issam Dahy, who collectively won the league title in the 2007-2008 season.
In addition to his coaching career, Saqr founded the Abdullah Saqr Academy, aimed at discovering and supporting young football talent.
The academy was initially established at Al Shabab Club and later relocated to a facility in Mirdif, Dubai.
Beyond football, Abdullah Saqr was also an accomplished author, having written a collection of stories and poetry.
His notable works include "A Miserable Life" and "Alienation in a Stolen Time." His poetry was published in the Kuwaiti magazine 'Al-Tali'ah' in 1970. After a four-decade hiatus from writing while he focused on football, he returned to literature in 2021 with his book "Dark Cuts of the Night," which received praise during a cultural event held in Dubai.
Saqr's contributions to both sports and literature have left an indelible mark on Emirati culture.
Saqr is widely recognized for his contributions to football in the UAE, particularly as the head coach of the youth squad and senior teams.
Throughout his career, Saqr held various coaching positions, including serving as head coach of the Al Shabab club, also known as Shabab Al Ahli.
He was also the coach of Hatta Club.
Notably, he was part of the coaching staff for the UAE national team during multiple editions of the Gulf Cup, specifically in 1982, 1984, 1988, and 1993.
In 2001, Saqr took on the role of head coach for the UAE national team, guiding them during the AFC World Cup qualification process for the 2002 tournament.
His influence extended to youth development, where he earned the nickname 'The Star Maker' for his ability to identify and nurture young talent.
He played a significant role in developing players who contributed to the UAE Premier League, including notable names such as Essa Mohamed, Essa Obaid, Adel Darwish, Dawood Ali, Walid Abbas, and Issam Dahy, who collectively won the league title in the 2007-2008 season.
In addition to his coaching career, Saqr founded the Abdullah Saqr Academy, aimed at discovering and supporting young football talent.
The academy was initially established at Al Shabab Club and later relocated to a facility in Mirdif, Dubai.
Beyond football, Abdullah Saqr was also an accomplished author, having written a collection of stories and poetry.
His notable works include "A Miserable Life" and "Alienation in a Stolen Time." His poetry was published in the Kuwaiti magazine 'Al-Tali'ah' in 1970. After a four-decade hiatus from writing while he focused on football, he returned to literature in 2021 with his book "Dark Cuts of the Night," which received praise during a cultural event held in Dubai.
Saqr's contributions to both sports and literature have left an indelible mark on Emirati culture.
