The Australian Football League Middle East (AFLME) is the beating heart of footy in the region, bringing together Aussies, locals, and expats from all walks of life who share a love of the game and a strong club culture.

Founded in 2008 in Dubai, the league was set up to give structure to what started as a handful of passionate Aussie expats kicking the footy around in the desert. Since then, AFL Middle East has grown into a well-established regional competition, offering a proper league environment with regular fixtures, Auskick programs and a social events for the community to enjoy.

Over the years, the league has hit some major milestones:

Growth of clubs
New teams formed and existing clubs strengthened, with the league expanding across multiple cities and countries in the Middle East, which currently includes United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

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Previous teams were based in Qatar, Bahrain and Muscat and AFLME is hopeful to renter these teams in the next 2 to 3 years. 

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Auskick in the Middle East
The introduction and growth of Auskick programs, helping bring the next generation into the game and giving kids a fun, inclusive way to learn the basics of footy.

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Representative honours
The creation of representative sides and annual

regional tournaments, giving players the chance to pull on the jumper and compete against leagues from around the world.

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Strong partnerships
Long-standing sponsors and community partners supporting the league, its clubs, and its marquee events.

Today, AFLME is about more than just wins and losses. It’s about community and staying connected through sport whether you’re a seasoned player, having a crack for the first time, or a supporter on the sidelines just wanting to be a part of something bigger. If you love sport, you’ll feel right at home.