The Arab Ice Hockey Federation was created in late 2008, aimed at progressing the sport of ice hockey in the Middle East and North Africa. It is based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and currently has 6 members. Following the success of the Arab Cup of Ice Hockey in June 2008, there was seen to be a greater need for the ice hockey playing Arab nations to work together. With ice hockey now being played in Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, it's expected that more countries will join the Arab Ice Hockey Association shortly.