Fiji international midfielder Abdullah Bin Aiyas will continue his football career in the United Arab Emirates after announcing that he has signed a new contract with Dubai-based Gulf United FC for the 2026/27 season.
The 23-year-old confirmed the agreement through his social media accounts, revealing that he will remain with the club after joining midway through the previous campaign. His renewal comes as Gulf United begin a new chapter under legendary Spanish midfielder Andrés Iniesta, who was appointed head coach of the club’s senior team in June.
“Happy to announce signing another professional contract with Gulf United for the 2026/27 season,” Aiyas wrote, expressing his gratitude for another opportunity in the Emirates.
Gulf United compete in the UAE First Division, the second tier of Emirati football, while their reserve team participates in the division below. Aiyas made appearances for Gulf United II during the 2025/26 campaign, with available statistical records crediting him with 11 matches and 759 minutes.
The new agreement provides another opportunity for the Fijian midfielder to develop within the club’s structure, although his involvement with the first team during the coming season remains to be established.
Gulf United’s appointment of Iniesta has attracted international attention. The former Barcelona star, who scored Spain’s winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, began his managerial career with the Dubai club after obtaining his coaching licence.
The club has established a development-oriented approach, providing opportunities for young footballers from different countries to progress towards professional football.
Aiyas is among the Fiji internationals associated with Gulf United, adding another Pacific representative to the club’s multinational football programme.
Born in Sydney, Australia, in September 2003, Aiyas has previously played in Australian football with Bonnyrigg White Eagles and Nepean FC. He also gained international experience at youth level, representing Fiji at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.
The midfielder featured in all three of Fiji’s group-stage matches against Slovakia, the United States and Ecuador, playing the full 270 minutes during the tournament.
He subsequently progressed into Fiji’s senior national team, representing the country during the 2025 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Papua New Guinea.
His international development came after a challenging period in his club career. Reflecting on his progress earlier this year, Aiyas explained that injuries had affected his 2024 season before he recovered to earn opportunities with Fiji and re-establish himself in professional football.
The midfielder described his first campaign at Gulf United as an important step forward and thanked the club’s management, coaches and teammates for supporting his development.
His latest contract announcement also carried a personal tribute to his family.
Aiyas will wear the number 31 shirt, explaining that the number honours his grandfather’s birthday while the name printed on the back represents his family’s legacy.
He was presented with his shirt by John Shiels MBE, the former chief executive of the Manchester United Foundation, who spent 18 years leading the English club’s charitable organisation.
For Aiyas, the extension represents another opportunity to establish himself in overseas football after gaining experience in Australia, England and the United Arab Emirates.
With Gulf United continuing to develop its football programme under Iniesta’s leadership, the Fiji international will be hoping to build on his first season in Dubai and earn further opportunities during the 2026/27 campaign.
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