A short film produced by the UAE Government YouTube Channel illustrates the spirit of patriotism and enthusiasm for sports in the UAE society through the story of Mahdi Ali, the first UAE Football Team Coach in the country, who helped the UAE win the Gulf Cup of Nations in its 21st edition. The film, entitled Captain Mahdi Ali, will be broadcast on the UAE Government YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/uaegov.
Mahdi, who loves football since childhood, went on to become a professional player at the neighborhood and club levels, and ultimately became the UAE national team coach. Dividing his life between his work as a government employee and his passion for sports, Ali later became the coach of the UAE team, proving his competency to undertake such great tasks.

In a variety of footage, the film takes the viewer to stadiums to present training sessions that reflect the passion for sports characteristic of Mahdi. It describes when he was selected as a coach, Mahdi was filled with joy and how he quickly gathered his senses to take his team to victory. The film highlights Mahdis deep understanding of the requirements of the players and his approach to them as brothers.
The film shows a number of sports scenes to motivate the viewers to win and reach the top. Bringing happiness to people is close to my heart. The UAE team has brought happiness to the entire country as a result of their determination and courage. Each one of us has the ability to turn the impossible into reality, Mahdi says at the end of the short film.

The UAE Government YouTube Channel was launched in June by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The channel broadcasts several exclusive and innovative programs, success stories and offers a number of government services. It provides a platform for the awareness campaigns of federal entities, and is considered as the official source of news from the federal government. It broadcasts an exclusive collection of short films in high technical quality.