Abu Dhabi: An Emirati family of Manchester City fans has helped the club launch a range of new merchandise, created for supporters in the UAE and available exclusively at the CityStore in Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall.
A selection of scarves, mugs, caps and polo shirts now incorporate the colours of the UAE flag, alongside the club’s iconic sky blue. In addition, supporters can apply a UAE flag patch to City merchandise of their choice.
Zain Ali Al Yafei, his two sons Ali Zain and Ahmad Zain and nephew Ali Gassan were among the first to wear the new merchandise.
The 31-year-old doctor explained his passion for Manchester City stretched back to his days studying in England.
“I lived in Manchester for many years and began supporting City then,” he said.
“When the takeover happened a few years ago I was delighted and hoped it would give us the chance of finally winning some trophies. Now we are league champions with a shirt featuring the UAE national flag – it’s such a great time to be a Manchester City supporter living in Abu Dhabi.”
Ali Zain, eight, and brother Ahmad Zain, two, met up with cousin Ali Gassan, 13, to model the shirts, caps and scarves in the store.
“We play football all the time and now we have the UAE colours on the shirts to show where we are from. It’s brilliant,” said Ali Zain, who names his favourite player as star striker Sergio Aguero.
