The former Premier League star guided the Dubai club to victory in their impressive new home.
Dubai: Having featured on football’s biggest stages, including the World Cup and the Premier League, Leroy Fer has fully embraced his role as captain of Gulf United FC as the club enters a new chapter.
The UAE First Division side welcomed hundreds of supporters to the newly opened JA Stadium in Jebel Ali on Sunday, marking a milestone moment for Gulf United and its growing ambitions.
Located beside JA Lake View Hotel within the wider JA The Resort complex, the venue hosted its inaugural match, where Gulf United FC secured an entertaining 4–2 win over Masfoot Sports Club.
Speaking ahead of the match, Leroy Fer spoke about the excitement surrounding the new facility, calling the stadium an important step forward for the club.
“It’s massive for the club,” Fer said.
“To have your own ground and bring the fans together always gives you that extra boost. We have a strong following, so having our own base where supporters can come together is a major step forward for the club,” said Leroy Fer.
Having competed at the highest level of European football, Leroy Fer brought extensive experience to Dubai after spells with clubs including Feyenoord, Norwich City F.C., Queens Park Rangers F.C., and Swansea City A.F.C..
The midfielder also earned 11 caps for the Netherlands national football team, playing alongside some of the sport’s biggest names.
Now at Gulf United FC, Leroy Fer has spoken about the talent within UAE football and the challenges of adapting to a different footballing culture and climate.
“The UAE has a lot of talent and potential,” said the 36-year-old. “While the intensity may be slightly lower than in Europe, there are still many exciting teams and players here. I’m enjoying it a lot. It took some time to get used to the heat, which was the biggest challenge for me, but I feel I’ve adapted well now.”
After ending his long European career, Fer moved to the UAE in 2024 when he signed for Al Nasr SC before joining Gulf United a year later.
He also praised the club’s long-term vision, particularly its commitment to youth development and creating a pathway for young players to reach the first team.
“There’s a lot of talent at Gulf United and it’s really exciting to see. The club does a great job with its youth development, and many senior players have come through the club’s youth system,” he said.
“You can see that we are ready to take the next step now. We have players as young as 17 playing at a high level, and for them to feature in this new stadium shows the direction the club is heading in,” said Leroy Fer.
As the most experienced player in the squad, Fer said he hopes to play a key role in supporting Gulf United FC’s continued focus on youth development, both on and off the pitch.
Reflecting on his career at the highest level, the former Dutch international added: “I always try to lead by example. We have very talented young players, so it’s important they can learn from me on and off the pitch.”
“Alongside myself, we have a strong backroom staff at Gulf United FC. Our Director of Football, Mo (Jarad), works closely with the young players and strongly believes in building from the youth — which is something very important,” said Leroy Fer.
As Gulf United FC continues to progress both on and off the pitch, the opening night of its new JA Stadium marks another significant milestone in the club’s ambitious journey, offering a permanent home for supporters and a foundation for the years ahead.
With ongoing investment in facilities, youth development, and the first team, Gulf United’s growth reflects both its long-term vision and the rising strength of football across the region.
