(JNS) A national soccer team from the United Arab Emirates will compete in a soccer tournament in Israel for the first time ever. The UAE’s national youth team will take part in Israel’s international Gavri Levy winter youth tournament from Dec. 12-17. Youth teams from Russia and Germany will also compete in the tournament. According to the IFA, the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) said its team arrived in Israel last week and UAEFA president Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi may also visit the Jewish state as head of the Emirati delegation. “Many good people on both sides have worked for this moment and for the deepening of cooperation in a variety of fields, believing that football is a wonderful means of bringing the two countries closer together and strengthening them,” declared IFA chairman Oren Hasson. “After quite a few years, the tournament will include four teams this time—and beyond football, there will be significant other activities in cultural and historical spectacles.” The UAEFA and the IFA signed a collaboration agreement in Dubai following last year’s signing of the Abraham Accords.

Main Photo: United Arab Emirates-Australia, 2019 AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals, Jan. 25, 2019. Credit: Amir Ostovari via Wikimedia Commons.