Latest news with #ArabianGulfCup
Al Etihad
22-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
EuroLeague springboard for basketball in Abu Dhabi: IMG official
22 May 2025 23:54 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)The EuroLeague Final Four, the second-biggest event after the NBA in the sport, is being hosted outside the continent for the first time as the three-day event kicks off on Friday at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island. The landmark move underscores Abu Dhabi's ambition to be a basketball hub domestically and internationally, according to the stakeholders Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, EuroLeague and the sports agency International Management Group (IMG). The shift also marks a pivotal moment in the league's to Matt Dwyer, Senior Vice President at IMG, the decision to bring the Final Four to Abu Dhabi is part of a larger strategy to expand the league's footprint into emerging international markets. 'This is a real opportunity for us as a company to deepen our partnerships in the region and work more closely with Abu Dhabi itself,' he said. Since IMG entered into a joint venture with the EuroLeague nine years ago, revenues have increased five-fold, and the brand has become a commercial success across Europe, according to Abu Dhabi Final Four is seen as a springboard to further expand the league's presence beyond its traditional markets. 'The league is a fantastic product with an incredibly passionate fan base,' Dwyer noted. 'Bringing it to Abu Dhabi not only introduces the game to a new audience, but it also gives us the chance to win over new fans and elevate the sport in a city that is increasingly becoming a global sports hub.'The benefits of this move, Dwyer explained, are mutual. For EuroLeague, the expansion into the Middle East opens doors to financial growth and broader market engagement. For Abu Dhabi, it's another jewel in its gleaming crown of elite sporting events. And it is an addition to an array of big events managed by the IMG, such as the Arabian Gulf Cup, the Saudi Pro League and UFC in the Middle East.'The event sold out in record time [seven hours], which is a testament to the appetite for basketball in the region,' Dwyer said. 'There's going to be a large amount of tourists coming over to Abu Dhabi, and that's going to have a significant economic impact on the city. At the same time, it will help cement Abu Dhabi's reputation as a number one destination for sports and entertainment.'Maintaining the EuroLeague Final Four's signature atmosphere while breaking tradition to seek out a more international fan base is a delicate balance that IMG is trying to achieve. Despite the geographic shift, Dwyer is confident that the energy and intensity fans expect will be fully preserved.'With the sheer amount of fans travelling into Abu Dhabi and the passionate support behind the participating clubs, I think people inside the arena will feel like they could be anywhere in Europe,' he said. 'What makes this special, though, is the chance to blend that intense European basketball atmosphere with the unique cultural setting of Abu Dhabi.'To bring out the essence of the new setting, the EuroLeague has roped in 20 content creators or influencers, including two Emiratis who are bridging the trans-cultural gap. Throughout the week, fan engagement events are planned across the city, aiming to create a culturally rich and immersive experience for both travelling supporters and local fans. Dwyer emphasised that this unique blend of traditions will define the 2024 Final Four as one of the most memorable in the league's beyond the tournament itself, IMG and EuroLeague hope the event will serve as a catalyst for basketball development across the region. 'Basketball is already a popular sport in Abu Dhabi, but hosting a marquee event like this can help take it to another level,' Dwyer said. 'We want to inspire future generations – whether as players, fans, or even volunteers – and help embed basketball more deeply into the cultural and sporting fabric of the city.'
Web Release
27-03-2025
- Business
- Web Release
CFI Becomes Official Partner of Kuwait Basketball Association
By Editor_wr Last updated Mar 26, 2025 CFI, the region's leading online trading provider, is thrilled to announce its new partnership with the Kuwait Basketball Association (KBA) as the Official Partner for the 2025 Kuwait Basketball Season. This collaboration underscores CFI's commitment to supporting local sports and fostering community engagement. The partnership was formalized during a signing ceremony in Kuwait, in the presence of CFI Kuwait management and representatives from the Kuwait Basketball Association, including Dhari Barjas, President of the Federation, Thamer Al-Shanfa, Secretary General and Owaid Al-Anzi, Assistant Secretary of the Federation. The event marked CFI's latest initiative in driving meaningful engagement through sport. The collaboration will elevate the brand's visibility while contributing to the development of basketball and youth engagement in Kuwait. The partnership ensures strong visibility for CFI through multiple touchpoints, including broadcast, digital, and on-ground exposure. From social media coverage and in-venue branding, CFI's presence will be embedded throughout the remaining basketball season, reinforcing its role as an active supporter of sports in Kuwait. In line with its commitment to community engagement, CFI will also connect with fans through activations such as contests, MVP recognitions, and social media interactions that celebrate participation and sporting excellence. This partnership follows CFI's recent sponsorship of the Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 26) in Kuwait and its role as a Strategic Partner of Kuwait's Ya Hala Shopping Festival, further reinforcing the company's growing presence and long-term commitment to the country. Through these back-to-back initiatives, CFI continues to align its brand with meaningful moments that bring people together, whether through sports, culture, or community engagement. 'We're proud to partner with the Kuwait Basketball Association in a way that reflects CFI's broader commitment to performance, visibility, and meaningful community engagement,' said Hisham Mansour, Co-Founder and Managing Director of CFI Financial Group. 'This collaboration strengthens our presence in Kuwait and connects our brand with the energy and excellence that sports bring to the region.' 'We are pleased to welcome CFI as an official partner of the Kuwait Basketball Association,' said Dhari Barjas, President of the Federation. 'This partnership reflects a shared commitment to elevating the visibility of the sport and building strong connections between the sports and business sectors in Kuwait.' 'Kuwait is an important part of our MENA expansion strategy, and this partnership is a step forward in deepening our local engagement,' said Loay Azar, MENA CEO at CFI. 'By supporting community-driven initiatives like basketball, we reinforce our commitment to being more than just a financial services provider—we're here to contribute meaningfully to the markets and communities we serve.' Through this partnership, CFI reinforces its core values of empowerment, growth, and excellence, boosting brand visibility while deepening its connection with the community. Just as CFI empowers traders in their financial journey, this collaboration reflects the brand's commitment to meaningful engagement beyond trading. CFI Becomes Official Partner of Kuwait Basketball Association Comments are closed.
Zawya
26-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
CFI becomes official partner of Kuwait Basketball Association
Kuwait – CFI, the region's leading online trading provider, is thrilled to announce its new partnership with the Kuwait Basketball Association (KBA) as the Official Partner for the 2025 Kuwait Basketball Season. This collaboration underscores CFI's commitment to supporting local sports and fostering community engagement. The partnership was formalized during a signing ceremony in Kuwait, in the presence of CFI Kuwait management and representatives from the Kuwait Basketball Association, including Dhari Barjas, President of the Federation, Thamer Al-Shanfa, Secretary General and Owaid Al-Anzi, Assistant Secretary of the Federation. The event marked CFI's latest initiative in driving meaningful engagement through sport. The collaboration will elevate the brand's visibility while contributing to the development of basketball and youth engagement in Kuwait. The partnership ensures strong visibility for CFI through multiple touchpoints, including broadcast, digital, and on-ground exposure. From social media coverage and in-venue branding, CFI's presence will be embedded throughout the remaining basketball season, reinforcing its role as an active supporter of sports in Kuwait. In line with its commitment to community engagement, CFI will also connect with fans through activations such as contests, MVP recognitions, and social media interactions that celebrate participation and sporting excellence. This partnership follows CFI's recent sponsorship of the Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 26) in Kuwait and its role as a Strategic Partner of Kuwait's Ya Hala Shopping Festival, further reinforcing the company's growing presence and long-term commitment to the country. Through these back-to-back initiatives, CFI continues to align its brand with meaningful moments that bring people together, whether through sports, culture, or community engagement. "We're proud to partner with the Kuwait Basketball Association in a way that reflects CFI's broader commitment to performance, visibility, and meaningful community engagement," said Hisham Mansour, Co-Founder and Managing Director of CFI Financial Group. "This collaboration strengthens our presence in Kuwait and connects our brand with the energy and excellence that sports bring to the region." "We are pleased to welcome CFI as an official partner of the Kuwait Basketball Association," said Dhari Barjas, President of the Federation. "This partnership reflects a shared commitment to elevating the visibility of the sport and building strong connections between the sports and business sectors in Kuwait." "Kuwait is an important part of our MENA expansion strategy, and this partnership is a step forward in deepening our local engagement," said Loay Azar, MENA CEO at CFI. "By supporting community-driven initiatives like basketball, we reinforce our commitment to being more than just a financial services provider—we're here to contribute meaningfully to the markets and communities we serve." Through this partnership, CFI reinforces its core values of empowerment, growth, and excellence, boosting brand visibility while deepening its connection with the community. Just as CFI empowers traders in their financial journey, this collaboration reflects the brand's commitment to meaningful engagement beyond trading. About CFI: CFI Financial Group, established in 1998, is MENA's leading online trading broker with over 25 years of experience. Operating from key locations like London, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Cape Town, Baku, Beirut, Amman, and Cairo, CFI provides seamless access to both global and local markets. Offering diverse trading options across equities, currencies, commodities, and more, CFI delivers superior conditions, including zero-pip spreads, no commission fees, and ultra-fast execution. The company is a leader in AI-driven tools, offering intuitive and advanced solutions for traders of all experience levels. CFI fosters financial literacy through multilingual educational content and inspires excellence through partnerships with global icons like AC Milan, FIBA WASL, and MI Cape Town cricket team, as well as the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. With Seven-Time Formula One™ World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton as Global Brand Ambassador, CFI reflects a shared commitment to innovation and success while supporting cultural and community initiatives worldwide.
Observer
27-02-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman finish runners-up in Veterans Gulf Cup
MUSCAT, FEB 27 Oman settled for the runners-up position at the Veterans Gulf Cup after they lost narrowly by 4-3 in penalty shoot-out against Iraq in the final late on Wednesday after the regulation time ended in a goalless draw. Oman head coach Younis Aman began the match with a starting lineup that featured of Omani goalkeeping great Ali al Habsi, Said al Shoon, Mohammed Hamed, Hashim Saleh, Fawzi Basheer, Hani al Dhabit, Ismail al Ajmi, Hasan Yousef, Abdullah al Sheen, Nabeel Ashoor and Juma Darweesh. Both teams could not break the deadlock in the regulation time as all the scoring chances were missed. Oman's striker Hashim Saleh missed few scoring attempts as the defending line of the opponents broke all the attempts. On the other hand, Iraq team pressed hard in both halves for a goal but Oman defenders and Ali al Habsi managed to save all their chances. The first and second halves ended in goalless draw and then the match moved to the penalties. Oman players missed three penalties including Hassan Mudhafar, Badar al Maimani and Hashim Saleh while Iraq players managed to take the advantage and emerged champions of this edition of the event. Oman's Ismail al Ajmi was named as the top scorer while Karrar Jassim from Iraq received the title of the best player in the tournament. Iraq's goalkeeper Noor Sabri was selected as the best goalkeeper. Oman team progressed into the semifinal following their crucial 1-0 win over UAE on Monday. Oman team commenced their campaign in the tournament with a goalless draw against Kuwait. Then, they played out a 1-1 draw against Qatar in the second match. In the concluding game, they snatched a 1-0 win over UAE by a goal through Ismail al Ajmi in the first half to progress into semifinals. Oman topped Group A by five points while Qatar came second. Oman defeated Bahrain 2-1 in the semifinal to move into the final. In Group B, Iraq led the pool by seven points following their last win against Saudi Arabia by 1-0. Iraq and Bahrain finished their match in a goalless draw while Iraq also won against Yemen to end as group toppers. Bahrain ended as second-placed team. In the semis, Iraq stunned Qatar by 1-0 to secure slot in the concluding game. The playing format of the event was based on the group system from first round. The first and second from each group qualified for the semifinals. Then, the winners from the semifinals progressed to the final match. The upcoming edition of Veterans Gulf Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia as part of the Arabian Gulf Cup in its 27th edition.
