Sitting on the northern border of Dubai, is a haven for art, history and culture enthusiasts. Sharjah, known as the UAE's cultural capital, offers some stunning examples of Islamic architecture and is not short of family-friendly entertainment options.

City: Sharjah
Population: 1.7 million
Local Clubs: Sharjah FC

Home to 18 of the 50 AFC Asian Cup matches, the UAE capital is an Island city, accessible from the mainland through three bridges. Abu Dhabi is home to the UAE's federal government offices and is the country's second most populous city.

City: Abu Dhabi

Population: 1.8 million

Local Clubs: Al Wahda, Al Jazira

One of the world's top holiday destinations, Dubai is famous for its serene beaches, luxurious attractions and being home to the World's tallest building, Burj Khalifa. The UAE's most populous city hosts eight group-stage matches and three more in the knock-out stages.

City: Dubai Population: 3.1 million Local Clubs: Al Nasr, Al Wasl, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, Hatta

The glory of being champions, however, was not to be savoured at the end though as UAE lost 2-0 to eventual champions Australia in the semi-finals.

They recovered from their semi-final disappointment to defeat Iraq 3-2 to win the bronze with Salmeen eagerly cheering from the stands.

Four years later, the UAE will host the AFC Asian Cup 2019 with tickets for 51 matches in the 24-team tournament set to go on sale from Monday.

With tickets for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 set to go on sale on July 30, Salmeen shares his thoughts on his favourite team and the warmth and hospitality that awaits the best teams and their fans in the Continent's premier football tournament on January 5-February 1.

 

The Qasioun Eagles have never survived the group stage at the Continental Finals, but the current Syrian side is one with ample reason to believe they are capable of going to the knockout stage and beyond.

Prolific striker Al Somah and 2017 AFC Player of the Year Omar Khribin are the spearheads of a talented Syrian squad, which went within 180 minutes of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup before losing a play-off thriller to reigning Asian champions Australia 3-2 over two legs.

Syria are set to face the Australians again in the UAE but Al Somah isn't interested in looking back, preferring to focus on a competition he believes his side are capable of winning.

The West Asians have four friendlies lined - against Jordan on December 23, Kyrgyz Republic two days later, Algeria (December 27) and Islamic Republic of Iran on December 31 - which Sanchez believes will sharpen his players for the Continental showcase in the UAE.

“The four friendly matches will be a good opportunity to prepare the players. I have several players to choose from the preparatory camp and I will wait till the friendly matches to decide on the final squad," said Sanchez, who has to name his final squad by December 26.

He called up 27 players for the final phase of training ahead of their Group E challenge which also has Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and DPR Korea.

Ruslan’s father, Kamil, played in the Central Asians' maiden appearance in the competition 15 years ago when the country gained arguably the biggest result in their history by scoring late to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw with continental heavyweights Saudi Arabia.

Since then, Turkmenistan have failed to progress to the competition but, after advancing from the third round of qualifying, they will take their place amongst Asia’s elite alongside Japan, Uzbekistan and Oman in Group F.