The emblem depicts an open oyster shell with a pearl in the black, green and red national colours of the UAE, embracing the country's association with pearl diving.

"It is a great honour for the UAE to have been chosen by FIFA to host this prestigious tournament and today we have unveiled an exciting tournament emblem that will be seen all around the world over the coming months," said Yousef Y Al Serkal, President of the UAE Football Association.

"Pearl diving is part of our national heritage, as is the game of football, and it is natural for the two to come together in a celebration of sport and such an important international event."

The official emblem for the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup was unveiled at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi

A total of 24 nations will compete in the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, with 52 matches set to take place all over the UAE.

The hosting stadiums will be the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Stadium in Ras Al Khaimah, the Fujairah Stadium in Fujairah, the Sharjah Stadium in Sharjah, the Rashid Stadium in Dubai and the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain.

The prestigious tournament has previously seen the likes of Ballon D'or winners Ronaldinho and Luis Figo compete for their nations.

Mexico's under 17's won the 2011 tournament in front of their home crowd to a rapturous reception

The current holders of the tournament are Mexico, who were the first team to win every game in the tournament when they hosted it in 2011, with Pachuca winger Julio Enrique Gómez González winning the Golden Ball award for best player, scoring three goals to lead his nation to glory. 

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