Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, attended the final of the 2025–26 Adriatic Basketball League (ABA), which featured Dubai Basketball Club and KK Partizan Belgrade at Coca-Cola Arena Dubai on Saturday, 6 June.
Also in attendance were Sheikh Mohammed bin Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; His Excellency Ali Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of the Endowment and Minors' Trust Foundation in Dubai (Awqaf Dubai); Majid Al Usaimi, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee and CEO of Dubai Club for People of Determination; Sayed Ismail Sayed Al Hashemi, Board Member of the Dubai Sports Council; and Abdullah Al Naboodah, Owner of Dubai Basketball Club.
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed said that despite being a newcomer to the Adriatic Basketball League, Dubai Basketball Club has quickly established itself among the competition’s leading teams. He noted that the club’s success reflects Dubai’s ambition and its growing influence in international sports.
His Highness added that this achievement highlights Dubai’s long-term commitment to developing sport and building a world-class sporting ecosystem that matches top global standards.
He said: “The presence of leading teams, players, and fans in Dubai, along with the high level of competition throughout the tournament, further strengthens the city’s position as a global hub for major sporting events.”
He added: “Growing international interest in the championship, combined with Dubai’s advanced infrastructure and sporting facilities, continues to enhance both the quality of competition and the overall experience for players, teams, and fans.”
He also emphasized that the championship’s rising popularity reflects Dubai’s success in building a world-class sporting ecosystem and reinforces its status as a global destination for sport.
In a thrilling match, Dubai Basketball Club secured an 86–81 victory over KK Partizan Belgrade, taking a 2–0 lead in the final series at a packed Coca-Cola Arena.
The win marks another milestone for Dubai Basketball Club, which continues to make history in only its second season in the competition. This was the second meeting between the two teams, following Dubai’s 99–93 victory in the opening game of the final series.
The final is being played in a best-of-five format. The series will now move to Belgrade, where the third game is scheduled for 10 June, with a potential fourth game on 12 June if required.