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Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Al Nasr, Al Wahda post wins in pre-season friendlies
ADNOC Pro League clubs are intensifying their preparations for the 2025–2026 season by engaging in a series of friendly matches as part of their overseas training camps. These matches are aimed at regaining match sharpness and building the necessary technical cohesion before the official kick-off. Among the 14 clubs competing in the upcoming ADNOC Pro League season, three teams have already confirmed their friendly match schedules in preparation for the new campaign, which includes competition for the ADNOC Pro League title, the Emaar Super Cup, and the ADIB Cup. Al Nasr began their pre-season friendlies in Germany, where they defeated SpVgg Landshut 3-2. The goals were scored by Glauber Lima, Manolo Gabbiadini and Salem Al-Somhi. Al Wahda launched their own friendly campaign with a 4-0 victory over German side Gebenbach in the city of Rieden. Goals came from Bernardo Folha, Omar Khribin, Geronimo Rivera, and Abdulla Hamad. Meanwhile, Al Ain are scheduled to start their training camp in Morocco from July 20 to 29, where they will face Moroccan club Union Touarga. Afterward, they will move to Spain for the second phase of preparations. There, Al Ain will play three friendlies against Elche (Spain), Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia), and Granada in the Granada City Trophy, with matches scheduled for Aug.2, 3, and 9. The rest of the ADNOC Pro League clubs are expected to announce their friendly schedules soon, following in the footsteps of Al Nasr, Al Wahda, and Al Ain. It's worth noting that UAE clubs are conducting their pre-season training camps in six European countries, including Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Serbia, Slovenia, and Austria, in addition to Morocco, which is once again a pre-season destination for Al Ain for the second year in a row. Meanwhile, Al Ain kick off their pre-season preparations campaign with a tour starting in Morocco before heading to Spain. According to the club's official account on X, the camp will begin on July 20, with the first stop in Morocco. During their camp in Morocco, Al Ain will play a friendly match against Moroccan side Ittihad Touarga on July 29 at the Mohammed VI Sports Complex. The team will then head to their second training camp in Spain on July 30, where they are scheduled to play three international friendlies. Al Ain's second pre-season match will take place on Aug. 2 against Spanish side Elche. On Aug. 5, they will face Saudi giants Al Ahli in a highly anticipated Arab clash. The tour concludes on Aug. 9 with a match against Granada CF for the Granada City Cup, after which the team will return to the UAE to prepare for the upcoming season. Under Serbian manager Vladimir Ivic, Al Ain aim to a stronger performance this season as they compete for all available titles to make up for last year's shortcomings. The club has already made significant signings in the summer transfer window, securing six major transfers so far:
Arab News
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
UAE Pro League reveals 2025-26 season draw
ABU DHABI: The 2025-26 season fixtures for the ADNOC Pro League, ADIB Cup and eUAE Pro League Championship were announced at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's headquarters on Sunday night. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The draw ceremony took place in the presence of club, sponsor and media representatives and was hosted by ADNOC, official sponsors of the UAE Pro League. It was attended by Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, the UAE minister of industry and advanced technology and managing director and CEO of ADNOC and its group of companies. Also present were Abdullah Nasser Al-Jneibi, chairman of the UAE Pro League and first vice president of the UAE Football Association, Saif Al-Falahi, ADNOC's group business support and special tasks director, ADNOC Distribution CEO Bader Saeed Al-Lamki, and Ahmed Al-Mubarak, ADIB's head of commercial real estate and corporate finance. The draw was presented by media personalities Yousef Saleh and Khaled Bayoumi and also featured the schedule for the sixth eUAE Pro League Championship, reflecting the growing importance of esports. It was carried out using a smart electronic draw system first implemented in the 2021-22 season, highlighting the UAE government's vision of the use of artificial intelligence technology via the OpenAI program, in line with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031. This season, the UAE Pro League implemented a round-by-round draw system, in line with international best practices adopted by top leagues such as the English Premier League, Serie A and the Bundesliga. The smart draw mechanism used a set of key criteria, including upholding sporting integrity, distributing matches based on 2024–25 season standings, balancing major and high-attendance fixtures, clubs' external commitments, coordinating match schedules within the same emirate, and ensuring no more than two matches are played in the same city on the same day. The ADIB Cup draw resulted in strong clashes in the first round. In Path 1, Al Nasr face Al-Bataeh, with the winner playing Shabab Al-Ahli. Meanwhile, the winner of Sharjah vs. Dibba will face the winner of Al-Ain vs. Khorfakkan. In Path 2, reigning champions Al-Jazira will meet the winner of Al-Wasl vs Al-Dhafra. The winner of Al-Wahda vs Ajman will face the winner of Bani Yas vs Khorfakkan. The ADNOC Pro League draw introduced a new system with separate draws for each round. The opening legs will not feature high-profile clashes. Shabab Al-Ahli will play Al-Dhafra, Ajman face Al-Wahda, Dibba take on Sharjah, Al-Ain meet Al Bataeh, Kalba clash against Al-Nasr, Khorfakkan play Al-Jazira, and Al Wasl face off against Bani Yas. Major battles begin in week two, with Shabab Al-Ahli facing Al-Wahda and Sharjah playing Al-Jazira. In week three, Al-Wasl will play Al-Ain and Al-Jazira will face Al-Nasr, while week four features Al-Nasr vs Shabab Al-Ahli. Week five hosts three major matches — Shabab Al-Ahli vs Al-Ain, Al-Jazira vs. Al-Wahda, and Al-Wasl vs. Sharjah. The 'Dubai Derby' between Al-Wasl and Al-Nasr will be played in week six. The first week of the second half of the season will see Al-Wahda play Dibba, Al-Dhafra vs Sharjah, Ajman vs Shabab Al-Ahli, Al-Nasr vs Bani Yas, Al-Bataeh vs Al-Jazira, Kalba vs Al-Ain and Al-Wasl vs Khorfakkan. In the eUAE Pro League Championship, Group A includes Bani Yas, Al-Bataeh, Sharjah, Kalba, Ajman, Dibba and Al-Jazira. Group B will see matches between Khorfakkan, Al-Wasl, Al-Ain, Al-Wahda, Shabab Al-Ahli, Al-Nasr, and Al-Dhafra.
Al Etihad
06-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE Pro League holds 2025-26 sports season draw for ADNOC Pro League, ADIB Cup
6 July 2025 15:54 ABU DHABI (WAM)The UAE Pro League held the 2025-26 sports season draw for the ADNOC Pro League, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) Cup, and eUAE Pro League Championship at headquarters of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).The draw ceremony for the 2025–26 season took place in the presence of distinguished representatives from clubs, sponsors, and various media outlets, hosted by ADNOC – the official sponsor of the ADNOC Pro draw ceremony for the new season was attended by Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director and CEO of ADNOC and its Group of Companies, as well as Abdulla Nasser Al Jneibi, Chairman of the UAE Pro League and First Vice President of the UAE Football Association; Saif Al Falahi, Group Business Support and Special Tasks Director at ADNOC; Eng. Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution; and Ahmed Al Mubarak, Head of Commercial Real Estate and Corporate Finance at the same time, the new season's draw event also featured the draw for the sixth season of the eUAE Pro League Championship, reflecting the League's belief in the importance of eSports among the target UAE Pro League recognises the growing global value of e-gaming and its continuous rise and is keen to be part of this global ecosystem that is actively investing in this thriving also saw the continued adoption of the smart electronic draw system, implemented since the 2021–2022 season in the ADNOC Pro League, aligns with the UAE Pro League's 2020–2030 strategy aimed at advancing all aspects of professional also reflects the UAE Government's smart vision through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology via the OpenAI programme, in line with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy system takes into account several key factors, including, balancing high-profile matches, ensuring no more than two matches are held in the same city during a single matchweek, ensuring an equitable home-and-away distribution (six home matches and seven away, or vice versa), and accommodating clubs' participation in foreign season, the UAE Pro League implemented a round-by-round draw system, in line with international best practices adopted in top leagues such as the English Premier League, Serie A, and the goal is to maximize technical excitement, competitive balance, and deliver more high-profile, fan-focused smart draw mechanism was guided by a set of key criteria, including; upholding sporting integrity, distributing matches based on the 2024–2025 season standings, balancing major and high-attendance fixtures, accounting for clubs' external commitments, coordinating match schedules within the same emirate, and ensuring that no more than two matches are played in the same city on the same day during the same ADIB Cup draw resulted in strong clashes in the first round. In path one, Al Nasr face Al Bataeh, with the winner playing Shabab Al the winner of Sharjah vs. Dibba will face the winner of Al Ain vs. Path 2, reigning champions Al Jazira will meet the winner of Al Wasl vs. Al Dhafra. The winner of Al Wahda vs. Ajman will face the winner of Bani Yas vs. ADNOC Pro League draw introduced an unprecedented system with separate draws for each opening round will not feature major high-profile clashes: Shabab Al Ahli will play Al Dhafra, Ajman face Al Wahda, Dibba take on Sharjah, Al Ain meet Al Bataeh, Kalba clash against Al Nasr, Khorfakkan play Al Jazira, and Al Wasl face off Bani clashes begin in matchweek two, with Shabab Al Ahli facing Al Wahda and Sharjah playing Al matchweek three, Al Wasl will play Al Ain and Al Jazira will face Al Nasr. Matchweek four features Al Nasr vs. Shabab Al Ahli, while matchweek five hosts three major matches: Shabab Al Ahli vs. Al Ain, Al Jazira vs. Al Wahda, and Al Wasl vs. 'Dubai Derby' between Al Wasl and Al Nasr will be played in matchweek the second half of the league, the first matchweek of this half will see Al Wahda play Dibba, Al Dhafra vs. Sharjah, Ajman vs. Shabab Al Ahli, Al Nasr vs. Bani Yas, Al Bataeh vs. Al Jazira, Kalba vs. Al Ain and Al Wasl vs. the draw for the eUAE Pro League Championship produced strong matches in two A includes Bani Yas, Al Bataeh, Sharjah, Kalba, Ajman, Dibba, and Al Jazira. Group B includes Khorfakkan, Al Wasl, Al Ain, Al Wahda, Shabab Al Ahli, Al Nasr, and Al Dhafra.
Gulf Today
06-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE Pro League holds 2025-26 season draw for Adnoc Pro League, ADIB Cup
The UAE Pro League held the 2025-26 sports season for the Adnoc Pro League, ADIB Cup, and eUAE Pro League Championship at the headquarters of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. The draw ceremony for the 2025–26 season took place in the presence of distinguished representatives from clubs, sponsors, and various media outlets, hosted by Adnoc – the official sponsor of the Adnoc Pro League. Adnoc is a global leader in energy production across all types, a trusted and responsible provider of low-emission energy, and a national giant whose iconic brand has become a symbol of excellence across various sectors. The ceremony was attended by Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director and CEO of Adnoc and its Group of Companies, as well as Abdulla Nasser Al Jneibi, Chairman of the UAE Pro League and First Vice President of the UAE Football Association; Saif Al Falahi, Group Business Support and Special Tasks Director at ADNOC; Eng. Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution; and Ahmed Al Mubarak, Head of Commercial Real Estate and Corporate Finance at ADIB. The 2025-26 draw was presented by media personalities Yousef Saleh and Khaled Bayoumi. At the same time, the new season's draw event also featured the draw for the sixth season of the eUAE Pro League Championship, reflecting the League's belief in the importance of eSports among the target generations. The UAE Pro League recognizes the growing global value of e- gaming and its continuous rise and is keen to be part of this global ecosystem that is actively investing in this thriving industry. It also saw the continued adoption of the smart electronic draw system, implemented since the 2021–2022 season in the Adnoc Pro League, aligns with the UAE Pro League's 2020–2030 strategy aimed at advancing all aspects of professional competitions. It also reflects the UAE Government's smart vision through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology via the OpenAI program, in line with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031. The system takes into account several key factors, including, balancing high-profile matches, ensuring no more than two matches are held in the same city during a single matchweek, ensuring an equitable home-and-away distribution (six home matches and seven away, or vice versa), and accommodating clubs' participation in foreign competitions. This season, the UAE Pro League implemented a round-by-round draw system, in line with international best practices adopted in top leagues such as the English Premier League, Serie A, and the Bundesliga. The goal is to maximize technical excitement, competitive balance, and deliver more high-profile, fan-focused matches. The smart draw mechanism was guided by a set of key criteria, including; upholding sporting integrity, distributing matches based on the 2024–2025 season standings, balancing major and high-attendance fixtures, accounting for clubs' external commitments, coordinating match schedules within the same emirate, and ensuring that no more than two matches are played in the same city on the same day during the same matchweek. The ADIB Cup draw resulted in strong clashes in the first round. In path one, Al Nasr face Al Bataeh, with the winner playing Shabab Al Ahli. Meanwhile, the winner of Sharjah versus Dibba will face the winner of Al Ain versus Khorfakkan. In Path 2, reigning champions Al Jazira will meet the winner of Al Wasl versus Al Dhafra. The winner of Al Wahda versus Ajman will face the winner of Bani Yas versus Khorfakkan. The Adnoc Pro League draw introduced an unprecedented system with separate draws for each round. The opening round will not feature major high-profile clashes: Shabab Al Ahli will play Al Dhafra, Ajman face Al Wahda, Dibba take on Sharjah, Al Ain meet Al Bataeh, Kalba clash against Al Nasr, Khorfakkan play Al Jazira, and Al Wasl face off Bani Yas. Major clashes begin in matchweek two, with Shabab Al Ahli facing Al Wahda and Sharjah playing Al Jazira. In matchweek three, Al Wasl will play Al Ain and Al Jazira will face Al Nasr. Matchweek four features Al Nasr vs. Shabab Al Ahli, while matchweek five hosts three major matches: Shabab Al Ahli vs. Al Ain, Al Jazira vs. Al Wahda, and Al Wasl vs. Sharjah. The 'Dubai Derby' between Al Wasl and Al Nasr will be played in matchweek six. In the second half of the league, the first matchweek of this half will see Al Wahda play Dibba, Al Dhafra vs. Sharjah, Ajman vs. Shabab Al Ahli, Al Nasr vs. Bani Yas, Al Bataeh vs. Al Jazira, Kalba vs. Al Ain and Al Wasl vs. Khorfakkan. The draw for the eUAE Pro League Championship produced strong matches in two groups. Group A includes Bani Yas, Al Bataeh, Sharjah, Kalba, Ajman, Dibba, and Al Jazira. Group B includes Khorfakkan, Al Wasl, Al Ain, Al Wahda, Shabab Al Ahli, Al Nasr, and Al Dhafra.
Gulf Today
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Al Jazira stun Shabab Al Ahli to clinch second ADIB Cup crown
Al Jazira lifted the ADIB Cup for the second time in their history with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Shabab Al Ahli at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday night, delivering a memorable performance in front of an electric crowd. The Pride of Abu Dhabi, who first won the ADIB Cup title in the 2019-20 season, struck first in the 18th minute through midfield maestro Abdalla Ramadan, who unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that left the goalkeeper no chance. His rocket of a shot smashed into the back of the net, igniting celebrations among the Jazira faithful and giving his side a crucial early lead. The goal marked Ramadan's fourth in the competition this season, continuing his strong run of form, with his last two goals notably coming against Shabab Al Ahli. Shabab Al Ahli came out firing after the break and were rewarded for their pressure just five minutes into the second half. Iranian forward Sardar Azmoun rose to the occasion, heading the ball powerfully onto the crossbar before pouncing on the rebound to fire home a composed finish from close range. In doing so, Azmoun made history by becoming the first Iranian player to score in an ADIB Cup final, offering his side a glimmer of hope. However, Al Jazira responded almost instantly with a moment of brilliance. Just five minutes after conceding the equaliser, they reclaimed the lead in stunning fashion. Congolese international Neeskens Kebano was at the heart of it, latching onto a beautifully threaded pass from Vinicius Mello. With a burst of pace, Kebano skipped past right-back Kauan Silva and, from a tight angle, slotted a precise shot into the bottom corner. His goal not only secured the win for Jazira but also made history, as he became the first Congolese player to score in an ADIB Cup final. Al Jazira's mix of attacking flair and resolute defending was enough to see out the remainder of the match, as they held off a determined Shabab Al Ahli side to clinch the title. 'We've been navigating a very difficult season, so to come away with a trophy—especially against a team that's leading the Pro League and has already lifted this cup five times—is a tremendous achievement,' said Al Jazira manager Hussein Ammouta. 'It hasn't been an easy journey. There were highs and lows, but winning a title like this brings much-needed confidence to the squad. 'It gives the players belief and motivation to finish the season strong, and of course, it brings immense joy to our fans and club management.' Ammouta, who took over at Al Jazira in July following his remarkable run to the AFC Asian Cup final with Jordan, is no stranger to UAE football, having played for Sharjah during the 2002–2003 season. 'The ADIB Cup was our only realistic shot at silverware this season, and I'm truly delighted that we managed to take it,' the Moroccan coach added. 'The players gave everything tonight. They understood the importance of this match and rose to the occasion for the fans. We created our first real chance in the 12th minute and converted the second. From there, we stayed focused on the essentials—maintaining composure, sticking to the plan, and above all, showing resilience. They never gave up, and that determination made all the difference.' Shabab Al Ahli manager Paulo Sousa acknowledged his team's missed opportunities in front of goal while crediting Al Jazira for their performance. 'We certainly created our chances, but on the night, the better team came out on top,' the Portuguese coach admitted. 'After Jazira took the lead in the first half, we responded well and managed to equalise. However, we couldn't hold on to that momentum for long. We had opportunities to score another goal or two, but it just wasn't our night.' Sousa also reflected on the broader picture, adding: 'Of course, we're disappointed with the result, but it was an entertaining match for the fans. Now, our focus shifts back to the Pro League as we look to maintain our position at the top.' Al Jazira players celebrate with the trophy after winning the ADIB Cup final against Shabab Al Ahli.
