

Palm City FC have completed one of the most remarkable seasons in UAE football, transforming their status from a UAE Second Division League club into UAE FA Cup winners after a dramatic victory against First League side Hatta. The final, played on April 25 at Al Maktoum Stadium and broadcasted live on Buzzer Arena TV, delivered a high-intensity spectacle and confirmed Palm City FC as one of the fastest-rising clubs in the region.
Coming into the UAE FA Cup Final, Palm City FC were already riding the momentum of promotion, having secured their place beyond the UAE Second Division League. However, this match was about more than just a trophy. It represented the culmination of a season built on belief, structure, and a clear football identity. Facing Hatta, a team with top-tier experience, Palm City FC approached the game not as outsiders, but as a side ready to compete at the highest level.
From the opening whistle, Palm City FC showed confidence and attacking intent, pushing forward through the wings and testing Hatta’s defensive organization. Their ability to impose themselves early in the UAE FA Cup Final reflected the growth they had shown throughout the season.
Despite their strong start, a single mistake shifted the balance of the game. In the 31st minute, a misplaced pass at the back was intercepted by Guilherme Castro, who capitalized to give Hatta a 1 - 0 lead. For many teams, especially those coming from the UAE Second Division League, such a moment could define the outcome. For Palm City FC, it became a turning point.
The response from Palm City FC was immediate and telling. Rather than losing structure, they increased their intensity, pressing higher and committing more players forward. Their pursuit of an equalizer became the central narrative of the UAE FA Cup Final, as they consistently forced Hatta into defensive situations.
As the first half ended with Hatta leading 1-0, Palm City FC had already shown enough to suggest the game was far from over. That belief carried into the second half, where their approach became even more aggressive and focused. Their pressing forced mistakes, their movement created space, and their persistence finally paid off in the 52nd minute. A defensive error from Hatta resulted in a penalty, and captain Pozuelo stepped up with composure to score, bringing Palm City FC level at 1-1.
With the score level, the UAE FA Cup Final evolved into a tactical battle. Hatta pushed forward, attempting to assert their First League experience, while Palm City FC demonstrated discipline and patience, holding their defensive structure and waiting for opportunities to counter.
The pressure intensified as the match progressed, but Palm City FC’s resilience remained unshaken. For a team that had recently competed in the UAE Second Division League, their composure under pressure stood out as one of the defining aspects of the match. When the final whistle of regular time confirmed a 1-1 draw, the outcome would be decided by penalties.
The penalty shootout provided the decisive moment in this historic UAE FA Cup Final, and it was Palm City FC who showed greater composure. Goalkeeper Obradović emerged as a key figure, saving Hatta’s first penalty and immediately shifting the momentum.
In one of the most memorable moments of the match, Obradović then stepped up to take Palm City FC’s third penalty and scored with confidence, highlighting the fearless mentality within the squad. As the shootout progressed, Palm City FC maintained control, and when Pozuelo converted the final penalty, the result was confirmed.
Palm City FC were crowned UAE FA Cup winners, completing an extraordinary double after already securing promotion from the UAE Second Division League.
At the center of this success is the vision of Soheil Var, whose long-term approach has defined the identity of Palm City FC. His concept of building a “365-day football club” has focused on continuous development, structured growth, and creating a sustainable football ecosystem rather than chasing short-term results.
Soheil Var’s journey with Palm City FC has been built on patience and strategy. The club’s rise from the UAE Second Division League to lifting the UAE FA Cup is a direct result of that philosophy. By prioritizing consistency, player development, and a clear football structure, Palm City FC have positioned themselves as a club capable of long-term success in UAE football.
The UAE FA Cup Final between Palm City FC and Hatta was broadcasted live on Buzzer Arena TV, allowing fans to follow every moment of this historic match. The coverage highlighted the growing importance of digital sports platforms in delivering high-quality football content to global audiences.
With promotion secured and the UAE FA Cup trophy now added to their achievements, Palm City FC are entering a new phase. Their journey from a UAE Second Division League club to cup winners has established them as a serious force in UAE football.
This victory is not just a milestone, but a signal of what is to come. Built on vision, resilience, and execution, Palm City FC’s story is only beginning, and their success in the UAE FA Cup Final will stand as one of the defining moments in their rise.