Latest news with #DejanKamenjašević
Khaleej Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
EuroLeague: Dubai Basketball to face Real Madrid, Barcelona at Coca-Cola Arena
Widely recognised as one of the toughest basketball leagues in the world, EuroLeague announced its expansion from 18 to 20 teams in late May. Dubai Basketball has now been confirmed as one of the two new teams to secure the coveted slot to play in the 2025/26 EuroLeague season. Following a historical debut season in ABA League – where Dubai Basketball climbed to the playoff semifinals before being halted by European powerhouse Partizan – the team captured the attention of thousands worldwide. Although their campaign ended shy of the final finishing in third overall, the season laid a powerful foundation for what promises to be a defining season for the club. 'I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the leadership of Dubai and the Dubai Sports Council for their unwavering support. Their vision and commitment have been instrumental in making the success of Dubai Basketball possible,' said Abdulla Saeed Juma Al Naboodah, Chairman and Founder. Coached by Jurica Golemac, Dubai Basketball is set to make its EuroLeague debut in the 2025/26 season, going head-to-head with some of the most celebrated basketball teams in the world. Facing the likes of Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, and reigning champions Fenerbahce, among other elite clubs — Dubai Basketball will bring top-tier European basketball to Coca-Cola Arena from September to June. Co-founded by visionary and Co-Chief Executive Officer Dejan Kamenjašević, Dubai Basketball is the product of his years of experience and deep passion for the game. Dejan has been a driving force behind the club's rapid rise. 'Dubai Basketball is not an instant project; it has taken us years to reach the point we are in today. But it brings me great pride to say that this team is an instant success,' said Kamenjašević. 'Credit goes to our coaches, players and all Dubai Basketball employees who worked hard to convert this dream to a reality. Now, with EuroLeague ahead, we have even more to show. We're building something this city has never seen before, and we're excited to make history while growing the Dubai Basketball family.' In just their first season, Dubai Basketball attracted nearly 80,000 fans to Coca-Cola Arena, paving the way for a new era for the sport in the region. As the only Middle Eastern team represented in ABA League last season, Dubai had something to prove from day one. Backed by a passionate and growing fan base, the club continues to be fuelled by the belief and support of its community. Over the span of a year, Dubai Basketball has firmly established itself as a top contender in European basketball. With a seasoned coach who brings both professional playing experience and leadership at the highest levels of European basketball and a talented roster including players fresh from NBA and EuroLeague, the team's story is only just beginning. All home games will continue to be held at Dubai's premier indoor venue, Coca-Cola Arena, which boasts a capacity of 15,000 in its basketball format. As the club enters the longest season in EuroLeague history, it will welcome Europe's strongest teams to the heart of the city – marking a major milestone for basketball in the UAE and the entire region.
Al Bawaba
11-06-2025
- Health
- Al Bawaba
Al Jalila Foundation Becomes Charity Partner of Dubai Basketball
Dubai Basketball has announced the signing of a strategic partnership with Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, naming it the club's Charity Partner through the end of 2026. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to harnessing the power of sport to support patients and promote community cohesion, in alignment with the goals of the UAE Year of Community part of the agreement, Dubai Basketball will invite members from Al Jalila Foundation's key programmes; including Ta'alouf, A'awen, and Majlis Al Amal, the first of its kind community centre dedicated to female cancer patients and their wellbeing, to attend games and club events. The initiative aims to provide encouragement, and emotional support to patients and their families through the inclusive spirit of a move to further raise awareness, the club will also showcase inspiring patient stories on arena screens during games, encouraging greater community engagement with the Foundation's mission and the team welcomed a group of ten children supported by Al Jalila Foundation, giving them the opportunity to meet the team's players in an uplifting and motivational experience. The visit was designed to foster social inclusion and demonstrate the emotional and psychological benefits sport can Kamenjašević, General Manager and Co-Founder of Dubai Basketball, said: "We believe sport has the potential to make a genuine and sustainable impact on people's lives, which is why our partnership with Al Jalila Foundation extends beyond sporting competition to create tangible benefits for patients and their families across the UAE.'"This collaboration embodies our shared commitment to promoting compassion and community cohesion through practical initiatives including hospital visits and welcoming young patients to the club's activities, demonstrating the humanitarian role that sport can play in fostering community solidarity."Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: "Sport is a powerful platform for social connection and emotional healing. Our partnership with Dubai Basketball creates unique opportunities to engage with diverse groups and deliver positive experiences that can uplift and inspire.""This collaboration goes far beyond entertainment; it carries a deeply human impact. By involving patients and their families in the club's activities, we are offering moments of joy, hope, and belonging, all of which play an essential role in the healing process. It's a testament to how sport can serve as a bridge between the healthcare and community sectors." With over 60,000 fans attending games at Coca-Cola Arena during the 2024/2025 season, Dubai Basketball continues to expand its community outreach and youth development programmes in line with the UAE's broader vision of inclusive and sustainable growth across all sectors.
Dubai Eye
31-01-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Dubai DET partners with Dubai Basketball
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has teamed up with Dubai Basketball, becoming one of the club's founding sponsors. This new partnership will help boost Dubai's global presence in sports, events and entertainment. Together, DET and Dubai Basketball aim to grow the local basketball community, supporting both players and fans. The Dubai logo and the website will now appear on the back of the team's shirts, and prominently at the Coca-Cola Arena during home games. This partnership will promote Dubai to international audiences during the team's home and away matches, underscoring the emirate's status as a top travel destination. Dubai Basketball is already making history this season as the first Middle Eastern team to compete in Europe's prestigious ABA League, facing top teams across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Montenegro. Hosting their home games at Coca-Cola Arena also brings an opportunity for international fans to visit Dubai, watch the games, and explore the city's attractions. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said the partnership aligns with Dubai's goal to be the world's best city to visit, live, and work in, supporting the growth of both sports and tourism. Dejan Kamenjašević, General Manager of Dubai Basketball, expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting it will help attract more visitors from Europe to experience world-class basketball and Dubai's culture and landmarks. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has entered into a strategic partnership with Dubai Basketball, becoming one of the club's founding sponsors and leveraging its international visibility and reach to reinforce Dubai's position as a leading global hub for sports, events,… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 31, 2025
