Dubai Boot Camp Sparks Al-Ittihad’s Comeback Plan
3 December 2025
Dubai Boot Camp Sparks Al-Ittihad’s Comeback Plan
Mohammed Talaat Al-Lami, Honorary Member of Al-Ittihad Club and former head of the club's youth divisions, stressed the UAE camp is essential to ready the team during the current league pause.
The Saudi Pro League pause runs as the national team competes in the Arab Cup in Qatar, ending December 18.
Al-Ittihad sits seventh in the Saudi Pro League with 14 points from nine games, having won four, lost three and drawn twice.
Coach and Camp Details
Al-Lami told Okaz that the break is needed to let Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao steer the side back on track.
Conceicao is expected to use the pause to sharpen the squad technically and physically through the Dubai camp, aiming to compete for local and continental titles this season.
Al-Lami voiced confidence in the technical staff and players to display the level befitting the club and to win across domestic and Asian competitions if Conceicao makes the most of the external camp.
He also praised the support of the Union's fans and urged continued backing as the team pursues titles regionally and locally.
Conceicao has granted players a six day break, after which the team will head to Dubai for a 10 day preparatory camp.
The delegation will depart the Kingdom next Friday; the camp will run 10 full days and include two friendlies against an Emirati club yet to be announced.
Punchline 1: If this camp cannot fix the defense, at least the sun in Dubai will have a tan on standby. Punchline 2: Dubai camp is so intense that even the jet lag files a report to the trophy cabinet.
