Thursday’s Arabian Gulf Cup final between Al Wahda and Al Wasl was a landmark moment for UAE football as it became the first match in the world to be fully broadcast in Virtual Reality (VR).

Al Wahda won an entertaining game 2-1 thanks to goals from Tariq Ahmed and Sebastian Tagliabue but the match was notable for a major development off the pitch as the Pro League Committee (PLC) introduced VR to UAE football for the first time.

It was also the first football match anywhere in the world to be fully broadcast through VR technology, marking the first major experience of the Virtual Seat project, which was launched by the PLC in association with Etisalat and Media Pro earlier this month.

As part of that deal, the Arabian Gulf Leagu is set to become the first league in the world to be broadcast in VR.

His Excellency Abdulla Naser Al Junaibi, the Pro League Committee Chairman, expressed his pride at being the first entity in the world to broadcast a full match through VR.

CEO of Al Wahda, His Excellency Ahmed Al Romaithi, said: “The match was a stellar success in all aspects; technical, organisational and in terms of fans attendance.

“The PLC did an excellent job in organising the match, despite the late venue change. They were very professional in this regard. I hope the excellent organisation continues so we are always the best. This success is a natural outcome of the efforts of all stakeholders. Cooperation and collaboration is the key to this success which pleased us all.”