In Dubai this April, a real scramble broke out for tickets to the AFC Champions League semifinal between Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli SC. The match, set for April 22, 2026, at the Zabeel Stadium, has stirred excitement among fans from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Within hours of sales opening, most of the tickets were already unavailable: official partners distributed minimal quotas, and the remaining seats quickly ended up with resellers and on the secondary market.
Demand and prices
The reason for such high interest is not only the status of the match but also the roster. Al-Nassr, having thrashed Al Wasl 4-0 in the quarterfinals, steps onto the field with Cristiano Ronaldo, who once again proves his reputation as Asia’s top goal scorer. Al-Ahli SC from Qatar, known for its resilience, turns the clash into a matter of principle between Riyadh and Doha on neutral ground.
Ticket prices vary according to the section and demand. The most affordable seats in the short stands range from 460 to 620 SAR—these are where the most passionate fans of both teams gather. The best views of the pitch—in the long stands (category 1)—are priced from 720 to 1,150 SAR. Premium VIP packages with private zones and catering start at 2,050 SAR. As the match date draws closer, prices on the secondary market continue to rise, especially after fan trips from Gulf countries were confirmed.
Where to buy tickets
Official channels quickly reached their limit, and most tickets are now available only on resale platforms such as Ticombo. For fans from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, tickets were already in short supply before open sales began. Organizers advise not to delay: demand for the match, which is the only chance to reach the final, far exceeds supply.
Stadium and atmosphere
Zabeel Stadium, opened in 1974 and now a symbol of Dubai football, will host the semifinal on neutral ground. The arena accommodates 8,439 spectators, and the proximity of the stands to the pitch creates a sense of presence and amplifies the crowd support. The stadium is located in the prestigious Zabeel district, near the Dubai Frame and royal residences. Diego Maradona once worked here, adding historical significance to the venue.
This season, Al-Nassr has repeatedly surprised fans: the team’s defense has been strengthened by key players, as noted in the article about the role of Íñigo Martínez — more details about his contribution to the club’s success are available on russpain.com.
What you need to know
The match will take place on April 22, 2026, kicking off at 18:00 Dubai time. Parks and historical sites near the stadium are open to visitors. Organizers remind: the closer to the date, the higher the ticket prices and the fewer chances there are to attend the match. For fans from Spain and Europe, this is a rare opportunity to see top-level Asian football in one of the most compact and atmospheric stadiums in the region.
