Egyptian Super Cup Takes Its Show on the Road to the UAE: A History of Cairo Battles and Abu Dhabi Finals

A UAE-Backed Stage for a Storied Cup

The UAE Pro League, in collaboration with the UAE and Egyptian football federations, Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, and United Sports Company, prepares to host the Egyptian Super Cup for the clubs Al Ahly, Zamalek, Pyramids, and Ceramica Cleopatra from 6 to 9 November 2025.

Since its 2015 relocation, the UAE hosted the first edition at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, then repeated showdowns at Hazza in 2017 and 2021, while Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium has been a frequent stage in recent years, including 2024.

For the 2025 edition, Mohammed Bin Zayed will welcome the final on 9 November between the winner of the Zamalek–Pyramids match in Abu Dhabi’s Al Nahyan Stadium and the Al Ahly–Ceramica Cleopatra clash at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.

The cup’s history stretches back to 2001 when the first final took place at Cairo International Stadium, with Zamalek triumphing 2-1 over el-Gaamal (Ghazl) El Mahalla, thanks to early strikes by Hazem Emam and Hesham Hassan. That opening act was followed by a Cairo final in 2002 with Zamalek beating the Motabaqoon 1-0, decided by Osama Nabih in the 114th minute.

The third edition, staged at the Military College Stadium in 2003, saw Al Ahly prevail on penalties (3-1) after a 0-0 draw under French referee Alain Sars. The fourth edition in 2004, also at the Military College Stadium, crowned Al-Mokawloon Al-Arab champions after a 4-2 win over Zamalek, with goals from Medhat Abdelhady and others.

The fifth edition, held on 27 July 2005 at the Arab Contractors Stadium, saw Al Ahly beat Enppi 1-0 with Wael Gomaa’s extra-time strike, under the supervision of referee Essam Abdelfattah.

Subsequent editions continued to entertain Cairo crowds: 2006 final, Al Ahly beating Enppi 1-0 via a late Mido Al-Ghary goal; 2007, Al Ahly lifting the trophy on penalties against Ismaily after a 1-1 draw; 2008, Al Ahly once again defeating Zamalek 2-0; 2009, Haras El Hodoud ousting Al Ahly 2-0; 2010, Al Ahly over Haras El Hodoud 1-0; 2012, Al Ahly beating Enppi 2-1 at Borg El Arab Stadium; and 2014, Al Ahly clinching the title against Zamalek on penalties after a goalless draw at Borg El Arab.

From there, the competition began a more international arc, with 2015 taking place at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi where Al Ahly defeated Zamalek 3-2. The following editions kept the UAE in focus, including a 2017 final in Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium (Zamalek over Al Ahly on penalties after a 0-0 draw), 2018 and 2019 finals, and a dramatic 2020 race where Zamalek triumphed 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. The 2022 edition moved to Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, with Al Ahly beating Zamalek 2-0, while 2023 and 2024 matched Al Ahly against newer rivals on the UAE turf. The cup’s contemporary chapter now looks toward a dual UAE-hosted path for 2025, continuing a tradition of border-crossing finals that fans seem to enjoy almost as much as the halftime snacks.

As the competition travels, the embrace between Egyptian and Emirati football communities grows, and the trophy becomes a symbol of cross-border camaraderie, competitive fire, and a bit of cosmopolitan flair on the football calendar.

And if the cup could talk, it would probably say: “I travel more than your commute. At least I arrive with a victory lap and a souvenir passport.” But hey, in football, even the silverware wants a tan.