The Socceroos will travel to Cairo to face Egypt, currently ranked ninth in the FIFA world ranking, at the Cairo International Stadium on November 17 before finalising preparations against the UAE in Abu Dhabi on January 5.

Head coach Holger Osieck says the two fixtures will serve as the ideal preparation ahead of his side's Asian Cup opener against India on January 10.

"In the past I have had the opportunity to coach a National team against Egypt in Cairo, and they are always a very tough opponent to play against," Osieck said.

"The Egyptians are very skilful and have plenty of pace and with the support of a large partisan home crowd the match will be a very good challenge ahead of us.

"In terms of the UAE match, with both nations having qualified for the AFC Asian Cup, we will be looking to finalise our preparations before we arrive in Doha for the tournament."

The Socceroos have met Egypt only once before in the semi-finals of the 1987 President's Cup tournament in Seoul, with Australia prevailing 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out.

Australia have never played the UAE at senior men's International level.