When does Zlatko Dalić officially take over the UAE national team?

According to information from sources, Dalić could take over the new job as early as Wednesday, and no later than Thursday, August 13, 2026.

What salary will Zlatko Dalić receive in the UAE?

According to Večernji list, Dalić will earn around five million dollars annually, making him the highest-paid Croatian coach in history.

Which other Croatian coaches are going to work in the UAE?

In addition to Dalić, Branko Ivanković is also going to the UAE, where he is expected to take on a directorial role for all national teams, while Igor Bišćan has already been appointed head coach of the youth team.

What position did Dalić hold before this engagement?

Zlatko Dalić was until recently the head coach of the Croatian national football team, with whom he won silver (2018) and bronze (2022) at World Cups.

Football

Dalić and Ivanković Fly to UAE on Wednesday

N.G. · Prije 20h | 2 min

Zlatko Dalić takes over the senior national team of the United Arab Emirates, with the contract expected to be signed no later than Thursday. An annual salary of around five million dollars makes him the highest-paid Croatian coach in history.

Summary

Zlatko Dalić and Branko Ivanković fly to the UAE on Wednesday for final negotiations.
Dalić takes over the senior national team, while Ivanković assumes a directorial role over all selections.
Igor Bišćan has already been appointed head coach of the UAE's youth team.
Dalić's annual salary will be around five million dollars, a record for Croatian coaches.

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The Croatian coaching colony in the Middle East will soon be complete. Former Croatian national team head coach Zlatko Dalić and former coach Branko Ivanković will travel to the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, for final negotiations on taking up their new roles.

Dalić will take charge of the UAE senior team, while Ivanković is expected to assume a directorial role overseeing all national teams in the country. According to Tportal sources, part of the coaching staff that will form Dalić's entourage in his new position may also travel with them to the Asian nation.

Bišćan Already Appointed, Dalić the Richest

Last week, the appointment of Igor Bišćan as head coach of the UAE's youth and Olympic teams was officially confirmed, paving the way for the arrival of the remaining Croatian experts. Dalić could formalize his new engagement as early as tomorrow, or no later than Thursday, August 13, when the contract signing is expected.

The former Croatian head coach will earn around five million dollars annually in his new position. This amount will place him at the top of the list of the highest-paid Croatian coaches of all time, surpassing all previous contracts signed by Croatian experts abroad.

Completing the Croatian Trio

With the arrival of Dalić and Ivanković in the UAE, the Croatian coaching presence in the country will be rounded out. Bišćan has already taken over the Olympic team, Ivanković will coordinate the work of all national team age groups, and Dalić will lead the senior squad. This means three Croatian experts will take over the key levers of the football system in this wealthy Middle Eastern nation.

Dalić led the Croatian national team through the most successful period in its history, including a silver medal at the 2018 World Cup and a bronze four years later. Now he faces a new challenge at the helm of a national team that is investing significant resources in football development.