Neill has excelled so well in thwarting the South Americans' raids on his team's net, the Al Jazira management vowed after the recent President's Cup victory to do whatever was necessary to retain Neill when his contract expires later this year. For his part, the Socceroos veteran has immersed himself in a culture where camels valued at $1 million were given away as raffle prizes at the football; fits of road rage could result in imprisonment and citizens were once gifted property by the nation.

''The culture and rules take some adaptation,'' he said. ''It is respecting the way of life here which is not to be too under-dressed, you're not allowed to show any aggression on the road … you can be 'done' on the spot for road rage … giving 'the bird' is an instant prison sentence here. There is the drinking side of things, you can only have a cold beer or a glass of wine in a Western-style hotel. No alcohol is served anywhere else and you must have a licence to drink alcohol in the house. Other than that it's about being polite.''

Neill has formed a close relationship with the Australian ambassador to the UAE and supposed the day may come where he could use his status as a footballer, who has starred in the Middle East, to help trade missions. He has gained insights into the kingdom, including the devotion the nation has for the ruler and other members of the royal family.

''You are pushed along when you meet them, you only get a quick handshake and one line of a greeting,'' he said of the royals. ''They're very accepting of a handshake from foreigners but I've watched teary-eyed locals, who are so overwhelmed to be in the presence of their royal family, they kiss them on their left shoulder, shiver and crumble.

''The royal family has done so much for their people. There is a minimum wage, but on the 40th anniversary of the [formation of the] UAE a couple of months back, the crown prince [Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan] declared anyone on minimum wage would get a [45 per cent] pay rise and their credit card debt was wiped as a gift.''