Latest news with #ShababAl-Ahli
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
McDonald's UAE announces partnership with UAEFA
Set to kick off at the highly anticipated prestigious event, 2025 President's Cup Final on May 9, McDonald's UAE will be the official partner for the event as Sharjah's faces off against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, United Arab Emirates – McDonald's UAE is proud to announce a new partnership with the UAE Football Association (UAEFA), which will debut with McDonald's UAE as one of the Official Partners of the prestigious 2025 President's Cup Final, taking place on May 9 at 7:30 PM at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, where Sharjah will face Shabab Al-Ahli. This marks the beginning of a broader partnership, with more exciting details to be announced soon. This step reinforces McDonald's UAE's ongoing commitment to supporting sports and community development across the country. Walid Fakih, McDonald's UAE CEO commented, 'At McDonald's UAE, we believe in the power of sports to unite communities and inspire future generations - from grassroots programs to major national events. We're honored to be one of the partners with UAEFA and look forward to sharing more about our broader collaboration in the near future, while celebrating this exciting moment with fans across the country.' Mohammed Abdullah Hazzam Al Dhaheri, General Secretary of the UAE Football Association: 'We are pleased to have McDonald's UAE as one of our partners for the President's Cup. This partnership comes as we prepare to organize the final of the most prestigious tournament, eagerly anticipated by football fans both locally and abroad.' He added, 'We value all our partnerships with institutions and deeply appreciate the support of each one. Such collaborations provide vital backing for Emirati football.' For more information on the 2025 President's Cup Final, please visit: About UAEFA: The UAE Football Association was established in 1971 and became a member of FIFA in 1972, and joined the Asian and Arab confederations in 1974. The UAEFA made great achievements since its foundation at the Gulf, continental and international levels. The senior football national team made one World Cup appearance, in 1990 in Italy, won the Gulf Cup in 2007 and the Gulf Cup in 2013. The youth national team claimed the AFC U-19 Cup in 2008. The U-20 national team qualified for the Youth World Championship in 1997 in Malaysia and 2009 in Egypt. They also took part in the 2003 Youth World Championship as UAE were the host country. The U-17 national team qualified for the 1991 World Cup in Italy 1991 and Nigeria 2009. The juniors' national team won the Gulf Cup in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2013, the youth and juniors national teams qualified for the AFC Asian Cups finals in 2010, Winning the 2nd Gulf U-23 championship in Doha 2010, in addition to the 7th Gulf Juniors Championship in Kuwait 2010 and claiming the 16th Asian Games silver medal in China for the first time in the history of the country. The Olympic national team made history by qualifying for the 2012 London Games and the women football national team claimed the West Asian Women Championship title twice in 2010 and 2011. About McDonald's UAE: Operating in the nation since 1994, McDonald's UAE caters to the local community across more than 200 restaurants, geographically located to service customers in many areas. McDonald's UAE is committed through its food trust promise, to maintaining the highest quality of products served at each restaurant, and across its McCafé offering. McDonald's UAE prides itself on being a local member of the community and has been committed to its role as a responsible corporate citizen since its arrival to the nation. Following an active social responsibility agenda, it is a long-standing partner of Emirates Red Crescent supporting its charitable and humanitarian further contribute to the wellbeing of the communities, creating wider environmental benefits, McDonald' s UAE and Emirates Environmental Group work in tandem to spread green values and bring to life sustainable initiatives, reducing the nation's carbon footprint. Driving this is the launch of its biodiesel initiative in July 2011, which sees 100% of McDonald's UAE's used cooking oil collected from restaurants and converted into 100% biodiesel, in turn powering the company's logistics fleet. As a result, the trucks have travelled over 23.6 million km on 100% Biodiesel since the partnership began, saving over 25 million kg CO2e emissions. For further information about McDonald's UAE please visit: or contact Weber Shandwick on McDonaldsuae@
Arab News
20-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Al-Jazira stun star-studded Shabab Al-Ahli and take ADIB Cup final glory
AL-AIN: Abdullah Ramadan's remarkable 40-yard wonder strike and fancy footwork from ex-Fulham winger Neeskens Kebano helped fire underdogs Al-Jazira to a deserved 2-1 ADIB Cup final victory against star-studded Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club on Saturday night. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Hazza bin Zayed Stadium was a fitting setting for Saturday's epic showpiece between two heavyweights of the UAE game. On the day, Sharjah's serial winner Cosmin Olaroiu was confirmed as new national team head coach, prize midfielder Ramadan shook off an injury-ravaged campaign and generated a jaw-dropping reminder of his mesmerising talents on 18 minutes by blasting in from range. This slender advantage for Adnoc Pro League's distant sixth-placed side against the runaway leaders would evaporate five minutes into the second half when prolific Iranian forward Sardar Azmoun followed up his own effort to level. But the momentum of Paulo Sousa's men was immediately checked on 55 minutes when DR Congo flyer Kebano produced a series of beguiling stepovers and lashed into the bottom corner. Shabab Al-Ahli continued to predictably boss possession with 62 percent, and attempts on goal (17-9), although theynever truly looked like mounting a comeback to avoid this term's first domestic defeat. The final whistle handed the spirited Pride of Abu Dhabi their second ADIB Cup crown and just third trophy since the 2017-2018 season off. Arab News looks at some key talking points from the decider: A new era for Jazira The 2024-2025 season has been a time of change for Jazira. Club legend and record goal scorer Ali Mabkhout made a high-profile summer departure to Al-Nasr, while they began this campaign without a permanent Dutch manager at the helm for the first time since Brazilian Abel Braga's mistaken summer 2015 return. Bold calls that have not always appeared judicious via mixed fortunes under Morocco's Hussein Ammouta. This, however, felt like a fork in the road. Big-name stars stood up tall, France's World Cup 2018 winning playmaker Nabil Fekir oozed class with every silky touch and ex-Arsenal stalwart Mohamed Elneny battled hard from an unfamiliar centre-back role. Ammouta's residual capacity to inspire, as shown with shock 2023 AFC Asian Cup finalists Jordan, was also on display. Heroes emerged across the pitch — including starlets Mamadou Coulibaly, Vinicius Mello, Ravil Tagir and Ilyass Lagrimi. This could be the start of something very special. Shabab Al-Ahli continue to stumble at the finishing line Another big game, another big disappointment for Shabab Al-Ahli. ADIB Cup final defeat follows elimination in the AFC Champions League Elite play-off round to Qatar's unexceptional Al-Gharafa and penalty shootout defeat to rivals Sharjah in the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals. This campaign could finish with the Adnoc Pro League, President's Cup, Qatar–UAE Challenge Shield and Emaar Super Cup trophies residing at Rashid Stadium. Yet there is a sense of immense potential being left unfulfilled. UAE wide men Yahya Al-Ghassani and unused substitute Harib Abdalla could certainly use some more game time, while fellow international Sultan Adil may further freshen up their attack after a lengthy absence. A monstrous 11-point league gap — albeit with second-placed Sharjah holding a game in hand — gives opportunity for experimentation. A final worthy of the fanfare Pre-match ceremonies often feel like duds after kick-off. This engrossing final, however, most certainly was not. Early entertainment sparked by traditional dancers allied with booming pyrotechnics before kick-off reached its high point upon the novel sight of sponsors ADIB's ATM dispensing the match ball. Nobody watching felt short-changed about what followed. Styles make fights and Jazira's counter-punching approach took the shine off glittering Shabab Al-Ahli. Urged on by a strong crowd in Al-Ain, this was a chance for UAE football to show off. It surely did.
Arab News
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Al-Taawoun looking for positive result in first leg of ACL 2 semi against Sharjah in Buraidah
RIYADH: Saudi's Al-Taawoun host the UAE's Sharjah in Buraidah, this evening at 9pm, in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Two semifinal. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The home team is aiming for a positive result before the return leg in Sharjah next Tuesday. Led by coach Mohammed Al-Abdali, the team is counting on the strong run it has enjoyed in the tournament, having topped Group B, which included Bahrain's Khalidiya, Iraq's Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, and Tajikistan's Abtyn Asir. In the Round of 16, Al-Taawoun eliminated Qatar's Al-Wakrah after two 2–2 draws in the home-and-away legs, advancing with a 4–3 penalty shootout win. In the quarterfinals, they overcame Iran's Tractor Sazi Tabriz following a 0–0 draw in Iran and a 2–2 draw in Buraidah, winning the shootout 4–2. As for Sharjah, they topped Group C, which featured Jordan's Al-Wehdat, Iran's Sepahan Isfahan, and Tajikistan's Istiklol Dushanbe. In the Round of 16, they won the first leg 1–0 against Jordan's Al-Hussein Irbid, lost the second leg by the same score, and advanced with a 3–0 shootout win. In the quarterfinals, they drew both legs 1–1 with Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai and advanced 5–4 on penalties. Romanian coach Cosmin Olaroiu is hoping to secure a favorable result ahead of the return leg in the UAE. Sharjah currently sit second in the UAE Pro League with 41 points, eight behind leaders Shabab Al-Ahli. They have qualified for the UAE President's Cup final — where they will face Shabab Al-Ahli — but were eliminated from the Abu Dhabi Bank Cup after a semifinal loss. Al-Taawoun currently lie seventh place in the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) with 37 points.
Arab Times
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Qadsiya Asian Champions League hopes hang in the balance after loss to Al-Ittihad
KUWAIT CITY, March 26: The Al-Qadsiya basketball team faced its second defeat against Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad Club, losing 88-74 in the third match of the Asian Gulf Zone (Super League) title competition. The match took place at the Basketball Association Hall in the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Complex. Al-Ittihad secured qualification by winning two of the three playoff matches, as per the tournament's rules. Despite the setback, Al-Qadsiya still has a chance to advance to the Asian Champions League quarter-finals. They must defeat Bahrain's Manama in their upcoming match on April 7 in Bahrain to secure the eighth and final spot in the Asian League. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad will face Shabab Al-Ahli from the Emirates in a playoff series for the Gulf Super League title. The series will follow a best-of-three format, with matches scheduled for April 8, 15, and 22. The winner will advance to the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League, ensuring both Al-Ittihad and Shabab Al-Ahli a place in the prestigious competition.
Arab News
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Shabab Al-Ahli and Al-Jazira to meet in ADIB Cup final
DUBAI: An intriguing ADIB Cup showpiece awaits next month after Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club gained revenge on Sharjah, and on-song Al-Jazira produced a rapid comeback against Wasl, in their gripping semifinal deciders. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Shabab Al-Ahli will be aiming for a record-extending sixth ADIB Cup victory when the clubs meet in the final on April 19, while Jazira are aiming to add to their solitary triumph in 2010. Sunday night's rollercoaster tie at Rashid Stadium pitted ADNOC Pro League leaders Shabab Al-Ahli against second-placed perennial rivals Sharjah. A 2-2 draw earned the club their 5-3 aggregate triumph, which featured two Fede Cartabia spot-kicks. It was the fourth-successive meeting between the clubs in five-consecutive fixtures across all competitions. Sharjah had given themselves hope with Corinthians loanee Biro's precise, low 12th-minute finish. Cartabia converted the first of two penalties at the start of the second half, with center-back Shahin Abdulrahman returning the favor from 12 yards. This was prior to Cartabia's second settling any Shabab Al-Ahli nerves about a fightback. It was recompense for being eliminated by the same opponent in AFC Champions League Two's quarterfinals prior to the international break. On Saturday evening, France superstar Nabil Fekir was among the scorers when a rampant Jazira first-half performance at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium helped turn a 1-0 first-leg deficit into an eventual 3-2 triumph. Jazira had burst out the blocks with goals from Argentine forward Ramon Mierez, Vinicius Mello and Fekir within the first 45 minutes of the second leg. A second-half Joao Pedro penalty then proved inconsequential as Wasl added ADIB Cup elimination to this month's earlier AFC Champions League Elite exit.
