UAE club Al Ain have officially announced the signing of Egyptian defender Ramy Rabia following his departure from Al Ahly as a free agent.
Ramy Rabia, 31, traveled to Dubai earlier this week to complete negotiations, undergo medical checks, and finalize his contract with the Gulf giants. Al Ahly confirmed the player’s departure following the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign, after renewal talks between the two parties ultimately fell through.
In his first official remarks as an Al Ain player, the Ramy Rabia made clear he wasn’t coming to the UAE for a farewell tour.
“It’s an honor for me to join Al Ain, the kings of Asia. I didn’t come here just to play out a season and leave; I came to prove myself and compete for trophies. This club’s consistent presence in title races, whether it’s the league, the cup, the AFC Champions League, or the Club World Cup, is what drew me in,” said the 31-year-old.
Rabia continued, “I started watching Al Ain’s matches from the moment talks began. I studied their game and the coach’s tactics. Hopefully I’ll gel with the players quickly.”
The veteran defender, who has played 337 games for Al Ahly and participated in six previous editions of the FIFA Club World Cup, expressed excitement about extending that experience with Al Ain.
“This will be my seventh Club World Cup, and it feels special. The new format is tougher, group stage matches will be harder, unlike before when you could reach the latter rounds after a few games. We need to go one match at a time and give everything.”
He also credited former Al Ahly teammate Hussein El Shahat for encouraging the move, “Hussein gave me great feedback about Al Ain and life in the UAE. He really reassured me, and that gave me an extra push.”
Ramy Rabia wrapped up with a message to the fans, saying, “The fans have shown me nothing but love so far. Their support motivates me. We’re one family now, players and supporters, and we’ll fight to make them proud.”
The veteran defender leaves Al Ahly after over a decade of service, having first been promoted to the senior team in 2011. He had a brief stint with Portugal’s Sporting CP in 2014 before returning to the Red Devils in 2015, where he remained a mainstay in the squad until this season.
Al Ain are set to compete in Group G of the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, alongside Manchester City, Wydad Casablanca, and Juventus. Rabia’s experience is expected to be a valuable asset as the Emirati side prepares for the global tournament.