Real Madrid icon Casillas headlines Hisense launch in Dubai as 116' UX TV captivates fans
Saturday's packed event marked the finale of a 10-day football-themed roadshow by Hisense, the tournament's official partner and TV screen provider. Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Casillas brought star power to the Hisense Arena, drawing supporters eager to see both the football icon and the brand's most advanced technological leap.
His visit included a live stage appearance, interactive fan moments and an exclusive tour of Hisense's Dubai-based R&D Centre where he explored the brand's next-generation innovations.
'Technology has become an essential part of how fans experience football today,' Casillas told the crowd. 'Whether you're in the stadium or at home, the quality of the viewing experience shapes how you connect with the game.
'It's impressive to see how companies like Hisense are pushing the boundaries of what's possible.'
The newly launched 116' RGB MiniLED TV is a game-changer in home entertainment, introducing RGB 3D colour control for precise light and colour balance.
Coupled with Hisense's most advanced AI processor and a new MiniLED backlight chip, the UX TV delivers unprecedented contrast, colour fidelity and energy efficiency. It's a display built to replicate the thrill of the stadium right in your living room.
Casillas, who claimed 25 major honours with Real Madrid, Porto and Spain, was visibly impressed by what he saw – both at the roadshow activation and during his behind-the-scenes visit to the R&D Centre.
He said: 'Seeing the innovation behind the scenes gives you a real appreciation for how much work goes into creating the technology that supports the sport. From stadium screens to home TVs, it's all about bringing fans closer to the game.'
Casillas also reflected on the broader impact of Hisense and similar global brands, saying: 'They don't just sponsor the game, they help it grow. By supporting teams, tournaments and fan experiences they create moments that unite people through football – like this visit to Dubai.'
Alongside the UX TV, Hisense also showcased other advancements. These included the 'AI Your Match' feature which uses real-time data to personalise the viewing experience based on match context and the ConnectLife smart ecosystem which integrates appliances and entertainment for a seamless connected home.
Limited edition Real Madrid products were also displayed, celebrating the brand's ongoing partnership with the iconic club.
Jason Ou, President of Hisense Middle East and Africa, emphasised the brand's commitment to merging sport and innovation.
He said: 'We're honoured to welcome Iker Casillas to Dubai for this special launch. At Hisense we're passionate about connecting people with the sports they love.
'The 116' UX TV is a testament to that mission, delivering a truly immersive viewing experience that brings fans closer to every pass, goal and celebration.'
Meanwhile, FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ has continued to deliver standout performances with powerhouses from Europe, Asia and the Americas showcasing their talents on the global stage.
Shocks on the pitch in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ Round of 16 included Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal beating Premier League heavyweights Manchester City 4-3 in extra time, and 2023 CONMEBOL Libertadores™ champions Fluminense eliminating 2024/25 UEFA Champions League™ finalists Internazionale via a 2-0 win.
Casillas believes that the tournament, particularly when combined with global tech collaborations, plays a vital role in growing the sport, especially in regions like the Middle East.
He said: 'Tournaments like the Club World Cup give teams and players in the region a global platform. It raises the level of competition and inspires the next generation to dream bigger.'
Casillas views the Middle East as a rising force in global football.
He said: 'There's a clear commitment to excellence here – from youth development to hosting major events. I think we're only seeing the beginning of what this region can offer.'
Hisense's activation at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ showcased its unique blend of football tradition and state-of-the-art technology. Through global partnerships with tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup™, UEFA EURO™ and Real Madrid, Hisense continues to redefine how audiences connect with the sport.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
UAE Moments
2 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Cinema Akil Launches 'Summer of Classics' Program
Dubai's beloved independent cinema, Cinema Akil, is turning up the heat this season with its much-anticipated 'Summer of Classics' film program. Running from July 11 to September 25, 2025, this cinephile-friendly series is bringing back a curated selection of timeless movies that have defined—and defied—genres. Whether you're a fan of silent-era comedy, French arthouse, Hollywood rebellion, or mind-bending thrillers, the lineup promises something for everyone. The program offers a rare chance to see these cinematic landmarks the way they were meant to be experienced: on the big screen. 🎬 Featured Films in the 2025 Lineup This year's 'Summer of Classics' showcases an eclectic mix of genres, countries, and eras: The Gold Rush (1925) – Charlie Chaplin's legendary silent comedy The Phantom of the Opera (1925) – A gothic horror classic The Money Order (Mandabi) (1968) – Ousmane Sembène's powerful Senegalese satire Rebel Without a Cause (1955) – James Dean's iconic teen drama La Haine (1995) – A gritty French masterpiece on race and rebellion Dead Poets Society (1989) – A soul-stirring tale of education and individuality Edward Scissorhands (1990) – Tim Burton's fairytale of loneliness and beauty Before Sunrise (1995) & Before Sunset (2004) – Richard Linklater's poetic love story told in real-time. Memento (2000) – Christopher Nolan's mind-twisting thriller Braveheart (1995) – Mel Gibson's Oscar-winning epic Batman Begins (2005) – A bold reboot of the superhero myth The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) – Wes Anderson's whimsical tale of nostalgia and loyalty Undine (2020) – A modern German romance rooted in myth Why You Shouldn't Miss It Cinema Akil's 'Summer of Classics' is more than a film series—it's a cultural experience that invites viewers to revisit groundbreaking works or discover them for the first time. The films have been carefully selected for their artistic impact, emotional resonance, and enduring relevance. Whether it's the stylized aesthetics of The Grand Budapest Hotel or the moral ambiguity of La Haine, every screening offers a deep cinematic journey. Where to Watch Screenings take place at Cinema Akil in Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai's creative arts hub. Known for its intimate ambiance, arthouse vibe, and commitment to diverse storytelling, the venue is a must-visit for film lovers year-round. Join the Celebration of Cinema Dubai's film fans now have the perfect reason to escape the summer heat and dive into a cool, dark theater filled with the magic of movies. Whether you're discovering Mandabi for the first time or revisiting Dead Poets Society, 'Summer of Classics' is your ticket to film history.
Gulf Today
2 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Microsoft to cut about 4% of jobs amid hefty investments in AI
Microsoft will lay off nearly 4% of its workforce, the company said on Wednesday, in the latest job cuts as the tech giant looks to rein in costs amid hefty investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure. The company, which had about 228,000 employees worldwide as of June 2024, had announced layoffs in May, affecting around 6,000 workers. It was planning to cut thousands of jobs, particularly in sales, Bloomberg News reported last month. The Windows maker had pledged $80 billion in capital spending for its fiscal year 2025. However, the soaring cost of scaling its AI infrastructure has weighed on its margins, with its June quarter cloud margin expected to shrink from last year. Microsoft said on Wednesday it planned to reduce organisational layers with fewer managers and streamline its products, procedures and roles. The Seattle Times first reported on the layoffs earlier on Wednesday. Separately, Bloomberg News reported Microsoft's Barcelona-based King division, which makes the Candy Crush video game, is cutting 10% of its staff, or about 200 jobs. Microsoft confirmed to Reuters that its gaming division was impacted by the layoffs, although not the majority of the unit, but did not provide further details. Big Tech peers, which are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, have also announced job cuts. Facebook parent Meta earlier this year said it would trim about 5% of its "lowest performers", while Alphabet's Google has also laid off hundreds of employees in the past year. Amazon has also cut jobs across its business segments, most recently in its books division. The company had earlier laid off employees in its devices and services unit, and communications staff. Economic uncertainties and rising costs have triggered layoffs across sectors in Corporate America, as companies rush to streamline operations and hedge against further cost pressures. Reuters
Gulf Business
2 hours ago
- Gulf Business
flydubai just made travel easier for its pilots,crew: Here's how
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website In a move to enhance operational efficiency and embrace cutting-edge technology, Read- The new biometric smart gates have been installed at the airline's Airport Operations Centre and are designed to streamline immigration processes through advanced facial recognition, AI-powered verification, and real-time data integration. This technology provides a faster, more secure, and paperless experience for crew members reporting for duty. Seamless travel experience through smart technology Thani Alzaffin, group CEO of emaratech, said the partnership marks a major milestone in modernizing border control systems. 'We are proud to partner with flydubai in pioneering a next-generation, paperless immigration experience for their crew members,' said Alzaffin. 'Through AI-powered facial recognition, our smart gates integrate seamlessly with both flydubai's and immigration's platforms, enabling real-time validation and a truly frictionless journey.' He added that the initiative reflects emaratech's broader goal to redefine border control using artificial intelligence to deliver smarter, faster, and more secure checkpoints. Supporting operational growth and efficiency flydubai's chief procurement and technology officer, Mohammed Hareb AlMheiri, emphasised the importance of technology in driving operational improvements. 'We are pleased to have partnered with emaratech to implement this innovative solution for our pilots and cabin crew,' said AlMheiri. 'As we continue to grow, we seek technologies that boost efficiency. These biometric smart gates represent another step toward seamless and secure operations as we future-proof our systems.' A total of six smart biometric gates have been installed, providing direct access to immigration clearance for crew members prior to flight departures. A growing network and workforce The initiative is part of flydubai's broader investment in technology to support its frontline staff and operational goals. The airline currently serves more than 135 destinations with a modern fleet of 89 aircraft. Its workforce exceeds 6,400 employees, including over 1,300 pilots and 2,500 cabin crew.
