Abu Dhabi's executive council has splashed out more than $35 million on its soccer clubs in a bid to bring silverware to the oil-rich emirate.
Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Zayed has approved the 122.5 million dirhams ($33.4 million) investment with an additional 10.4 million dirhams for foreign players.
Further funds have been set aside for local players at senior and junior level, aimed at encouraging the emirate's clubs to perform better in national competitions, the Gulf Champions Cup and the Asian Champions League.
The UAE's league is one of the richest in Asia, although the country's vast wealth has brought the national team limited success, with only one World Cup appearance in 1990 and a single Gulf Cup victory.