Ali Khaled
Verified
Sports Editor, Arab News.
New book Yalla! The Turbulent History of Arab Nations at the World Cup is out
l
Formerly The National, GQ ME.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Ali Khaled
Dubai Basketball complete perfect EuroLeague away week Original
The team followed their win over Baskonia by defeating Olimpia Milano 101–97 at the Assago Forum in Round 6 DUBAI: Dubai Basketball secured their second consecutive EuroLeague away victory on Thursday night, defeating Olimpia Milano 101–97 at the Assago Forum in Round 6 of the Regular Season, following a win over Baskonia earlier in the week.
‘UAE’s flagship event’: Countdown begins to Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
With less than 50 days to go, Saif Al-Noaimi, CEO of race organizers Ethara, spoke to Arab News after the F1 weekend was confirmed for Dec. 3-6 ABU DHABI: Preparations have kicked into top gear with less than two months to go for the 2026 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. With Yas Island once again hosting the final round of the Formula One World Championship, from Dec.
‘UAE’s flagship event’: Countdown begins to Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
With less than 50 days to go, Saif Al-Noaimi, CEO of race organizers Ethara, spoke to Arab News after the F1 weekend was confirmed for Dec. 3-6 ABU DHABI: Preparations have kicked into top gear with less than two months to go for the 2026 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. With Yas Island once again hosting the final round of the Formula One World Championship, from Dec.
Riyadh racing returns to King Abdulaziz Racecourse Original
New season kicks off this weekend, which includes the Saudi Cup in February, runs until April 17, 2027 DUBAI: Owner Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah could be set for a prominent showing of his colors as racing returns for two days to Riyadh and King Abdulaziz Racecourse this weekend. The new season, which runs until April 17, 2027, and includes The Saudi Cup meeting on Feb.
DP World ILT20 exposure proves a catalyst as Kuwait's stars shine on the international stage Original
Players reflect on season 4 after starring in Kuwait’s Sub-Regional Asia A Qualifier campaign 6 Kuwaiti players to feature in season 5 including Bilal Tahir, Mohamed Shafeeq, Ravija Sandaruwan DUBAI: The DP World ILT20’s commitment to growing the game across the region is bearing fruit beyond the UAE.
Ticketmaster appointed as Dubai Racing Club’s official ticketing partner
The platform will power key events including the Dubai Racing Carnival and Dubai World Cup during the 2026-27 season DUBAI: Dubai Racing Club has appointed Ticketmaster as its official ticketing partner to support the racing calendar at Meydan Racecourse. The platform will power Dubai Racing Club’s ticketing website for key events including the Dubai Racing Carnival and Dubai World Cup throughout the 2026-27 season, making it easier for fans to discover, purchase and manage tickets.
Ticketmaster appointed as Dubai Racing Club’s official ticketing partner
The platform will power key events including the Dubai Racing Carnival and Dubai World Cup during the 2026-27 season DUBAI: Dubai Racing Club has appointed Ticketmaster as its official ticketing partner to support the racing calendar at Meydan Racecourse. The platform will power Dubai Racing Club’s ticketing website for key events including the Dubai Racing Carnival and Dubai World Cup throughout the 2026-27 season, making it easier for fans to discover, purchase and manage tickets.
History-maker: Saud Abdulhamid becomes first Saudi to play in UEFA Champions League Original
Having recovered from injury, the 27-year-old Lens defender started in the home group match against Sporting Lisbon DUBAI: Saudi International defender Saud Abdulhamid has made history in the Champions League after being selected by coach Yannick Cahuzac in Tuesday night’s home fixture against Sporting Lisbon of Portugal, becoming the first Saudi player to participate in the European competition.
Saudi Super Cup will boost tourism in Kuwait, says federation president Original
200,000 expected through Kuwait’s various ports during the tournament taking place from Dec. 17-24 DUBAI: Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, president of the Kuwait Football Association, believes Kuwait’s hosting of the Saudi Super Cup represents a pivotal sporting event that will transform the country into a “football festival” attracting sports fans from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf and across the world.
Season title on the line at Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI: The eighth and final round of the third Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship takes place at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi from Oct. 16 to 18. Organized by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the round will decide the Gi champions, with the top finishers in the season’s overall Gi and No-Gi standings honored at the closing ceremony.
Dubai Basketball secure first EuroLeague away win of the season in Spain
93-79 victory over Baskonia in round 5 of the competition improves team’s record to 3 wins, 2 losses DUBAI: Dubai Basketball secured their first away win of the EuroLeague season with a 93-79 victory over Baskonia in round five, bouncing back from their home defeat in the previous round to improve their record to three wins and two losses. The result marked an important response from Dubai, who delivered a stronger second-half performance to secure a 14-point victory in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
Dubai Basketball secure first EuroLeague away win of the season in Spain
93-79 victory over Baskonia in round 5 of the competition improves team’s record to 3 wins, 2 losses DUBAI: Dubai Basketball secured their first away win of the EuroLeague season with a 93-79 victory over Baskonia in round five, bouncing back from their home defeat in the previous round to improve their record to three wins and two losses. The result marked an important response from Dubai, who delivered a stronger second-half performance to secure a 14-point victory in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
Old trends resurface for Al-Ittihad after loss to Shabab Al-Ahli in AFC Champions League Elite Original
The 2-1 home loss to the Emirati opposition means the Jeddah club have failed to win their first 2 matches in the group stage for the second year running DUBAI: Al-Ittihad have failed to secure a victory in their first two matches of the AFC Champions League Elite for the second season running, after suffering a 2-1 defeat against the UAE’s Shabab Al-Ahli on Tuesday at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah.
DP World to transport Rory McIlroy’s performance environment around the world
Emirati sponsors set to manage logistics of the Irishman’s fitness, recovery Under multi-year pact, Mcllroy becomes Global Ambassador for DP World DUBAI: Rory McIlroy’s season takes him around the world, but his training and recovery environment will not have to change with it.
Season title on the line at Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi
Eighth and final round of the tournament’s third edition takes place Oct. 16-18 ABU DHABI: The eighth and final round of the third Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship takes place at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi from Oct. 16 to 18. Organized by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the round will decide the Gi champions, with the top finishers in the season’s overall Gi and No-Gi standings honored at the closing ceremony.
FIA President Ben Sulayem says Africa could follow Middle East example after Rwanda F1 announcement
Return of the FIA Formula One World Championship to Africa ‘a historic moment for our sport and an important step in the continued global growth of motorsport’ DUBAI: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes motorsport development in the Middle East over the last two decades is an example of what could be mirrored in Africa following today’s announcement that Rwanda is to become a new FIA Formula One World Championship venue.
‘Proud moment’: MI Emirates' Muhammad Waseem hails rise of UAE cricketers in DP World ILT20 Original
MI Emirates secured Waseem for $210,000, the highest price for a UAE player in DP World ILT20 auction history Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Rohid and Aayan Khan also featured among the highest-priced UAE players DUBAI: UAE players Muhammad Waseem, Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Rohid, Aayan Khan and Vriitya Aravind have welcomed the growing investment in local talent at the DP World ILT20, highlighting the opportunities the competition offers to play alongside international stars and build their careers.
Rahm to make Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship debut at Yas Links
Opening event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs takes place from Nov. 5-8 Top 70 available players on Race to Dubai rankings to tee up at Yas Links ABU DHABI: Two-time Major champion Jon Rahm will make his debut at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship next month, joining a world-class field for the opening event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs at Yas Links from Nov. 5 to 8.
Rahm to make Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship debut at Yas Links
Opening event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs takes place from Nov. 5-8 Top 70 available players on Race to Dubai rankings to tee up at Yas Links ABU DHABI: Two-time Major champion Jon Rahm will make his debut at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship next month, joining a world-class field for the opening event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs at Yas Links from Nov. 5 to 8.
Dubai Basketball maintain unbeaten start to ABA League campaign
92-85 comeback victory over U-BT Cluj-Napoca in Romania secure 2 wins in as many matches this season DUBAI: Dubai Basketball continued their strong start to the 2026-27 ABA League season with a 92–85 victory on Sunday over U-BT Cluj-Napoca in Romania, securing their second consecutive win in Group B action at the Btarena. The result keeps Dubai Basketball unbeaten in the competition, with two wins from two games, while Cluj-Napoca suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
Dubai Basketball maintain unbeaten start to ABA League campaign
92-85 comeback victory over U-BT Cluj-Napoca in Romania secure 2 wins in as many matches this season DUBAI: Dubai Basketball continued their strong start to the 2026-27 ABA League season with a 92–85 victory on Sunday over U-BT Cluj-Napoca in Romania, securing their second consecutive win in Group B action at the Btarena. The result keeps Dubai Basketball unbeaten in the competition, with two wins from two games, while Cluj-Napoca suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
‘I’m ready for a 25-minute war’: Dvalishvili relishing UFC 333 trilogy with Yan in Abu Dhabi Original
Former bantamweight champion tells Arab News he will be ‘sharper, more focused, more dangerous’ on Oct. 24 Dvalishvili believes Song Yadong should be next if he reclaims the title at Etihad Arena ABU DHABI: Merab Dvalishvili is preparing for a “25-minute war” when he faces Petr Yan for a third time at UFC 333: Volkanovski vs Evloev in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 24, as the Georgian looks to reclaim the bantamweight title and settle a rivalry that stands at one victory apiece.
Carrasco cameo fails to save Ultra Chmicha as FWZ go clear in Kings League MENA standings Original
Belgian pro star took the President Penalty for Ilyas Elmaliki’s Ultra Chmicha DR7 extend winning run to five matches with dominant 8-4 victory over Ultra Chmicha RIYADH: A President Penalty by former Belgium international and Al-Shabab FC star Yannick Carrasco could not save Ilyas Elmaliki’s Ultra Chmicha from a second defeat in a row in last night’s Matchday 7 games in Kings League MENA Split 1.
5 bouts added to maiden RAF Abu Dhabi card, top-ranked Arman Tsarukyan will face Neiman Gracie
American duo Kyle Dake and Kennedy Blades will also defend their titles at Etihad Arena next month ABU DHABI: Arman Tsarukyan will face Neiman Gracie in a catchweight crossover matchup at the inaugural Real American Freestyle Abu Dhabi, setting up a heated showdown at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, on Nov. 14. The contest leads five new additions to the Middle East’s first RAF event.
Dubai Basketball lose first home game of the season against Crvena Zvezda
The 77-58 loss to the Serbian team came in Round 4 of EuroLeague at Coca-Cola Arena Dubai Basketball suffered a 77–58 defeat to Crvena Zvezda in EuroLeague Round 4 at Coca-Cola Arena, struggling to find their offensive rhythm against a disciplined Serbian side. Dubai started competitively, keeping pace with the visitors during the opening quarter.
Desert Vipers to kick off defence of DP World ILT20 title in November
Fifth edition of the Gulf’s biggest cricket tournament starts in Dubai with Desert Vipers vs.
MENA Golf Tour confirms Cairo start of 2026-27 season
3 tournaments at Madinaty and New Giza launch a season of at least 12 events and $1.2m in prize money DUBAI: The MENA Golf Tour will open its 2026-27 season in Cairo with three tournaments at Madinaty Golf Club and New Giza Golf Club between Nov. 28 and Dec. 10, with membership for the new season opening on Oct. 22. Both courses hosted the tour last season, when Juan Salama set a course record 60 on his way to a wire-to-wire victory at Madinaty, and Lauri Ruuska closed with a 62 to win at New Giza.
KSA and Japan continue close racing partnership with 2026 Saudi Arabia Royal Cup in Tokyo
Jockey club’s CEO Prince Salman bin Abdullah bin Salman bin Mohammed Al-Saud will attend the meeting in Japan DUBAI: The Saudi Arabia Royal Cup gets underway on Oct. 10 in Tokyo, marking the 11th partnership between the Japanese Racing Association and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia. First held under the Saudi banner in 2015 when King Abdullah, who was then the crown prince, presented the trophy at Tokyo Racecourse to the winners.
Dubai Basketball lose first home game of the season against Crvena Zvezda
The 77-58 loss to the Serbian team came in Round 4 of EuroLeague at Coca-Cola Arena Dubai Basketball suffered a 77–58 defeat to Crvena Zvezda in EuroLeague Round 4 at Coca-Cola Arena, struggling to find their offensive rhythm against a disciplined Serbian side. Dubai started competitively, keeping pace with the visitors during the opening quarter.
MENA Golf Tour confirms Cairo start of 2026-27 season
3 tournaments at Madinaty and New Giza launch a season of at least 12 events and $1.2m in prize money DUBAI: The MENA Golf Tour will open its 2026-27 season in Cairo with three tournaments at Madinaty Golf Club and New Giza Golf Club between Nov. 28 and Dec. 10, with membership for the new season opening on Oct. 22. Both courses hosted the tour last season, when Juan Salama set a course record 60 on his way to a wire-to-wire victory at Madinaty, and Lauri Ruuska closed with a 62 to win at New Giza.
Desert Vipers to kick off defence of DP World ILT20 title in November
Fifth edition of the Gulf’s biggest cricket tournament starts in Dubai with Desert Vipers vs.
KSA and Japan continue close racing partnership with 2026 Saudi Arabia Royal Cup in Tokyo
Ecoro Alba crossing the finish line in the 2025 Saudi Arabia Royal Cup, Tokyo Racecourse. (Japan Racing Association) Jockey club’s CEO Prince Salman bin Abdullah bin Salman bin Mohammed Al-Saud will attend the meeting in Japan DUBAI: The Saudi Arabia Royal Cup gets underway on Oct. 10 in Tokyo, marking the 11th partnership between the Japanese Racing Association and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia climb to 55th in FIFA World Rankings following Gulf Cup triumph
The 2-0 win over the UAE in Tuesday’s final puts the Green Falcons fourth-highest among the Arab nations DUBAI: Saudi Arabia have climbed three places to take the 55th spot in the latest FIFA World Rankings following their Arabian Gulf Cup triumph on Tuesday.
Saudi Arabia climb to 55th in FIFA World Rankings following Gulf Cup triumph
Following their Gulf Cup triumph, Saudi Arabia have climbed three spots to 55th in the latest FIFA rankings (Ali Khamaj) The 2-0 win over the UAE in Tuesday’s final puts the Green Falcons fourth-highest among the Arab nations DUBAI: Saudi Arabia have climbed three places to take the 55th spot in the latest FIFA World Rankings following their Arabian Gulf Cup triumph on Tuesday.
‘Beautiful’: Saudi players share pride and joy after Gulf Cup triumph
Tournament top scorer Firas Al-Buraikan is looking forward to more success with the national team, starting with 2027 AFC Asian Cup Nawaf Boushal praised head coach Georgios Donis and support staff for their role in the triumph DUBAI: Saudi national team forward Firas Al-Buraikan has expressed his pride at winning the 2026 Arabian Gulf Cup and said that the Green Falcons have plans to achieve greater success.
Players ‘needed the Gulf Cup title’: Saudi sports minister Original
Saudi Arabia defeated the UAE 2-0 to claim first Arabian Gulf Cup title since 2004 Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal tells Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi national team ‘will build on this achievement’ DUBAI: Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Saudi minister of sports, said that the national team’s Arabian Gulf Cup triumph was the result of concerted efforts to develop football in the Kingdom, and that the players have now overcome a mental barrier that has existed since the title was...
Saudi’s DR7, RA2 FC and Rising Peaks secure wins at Kings League MENA
RA2 stun Ultra Chmicha, ending Moroccan team’s unbeaten run Rising Peaks secure third consecutive victory with win over 3BS RIYADH: Kings League MENA Split One Matchday Six saw Saudi Arabia’s teams dominate, with DR7, Rising Peaks and RA2 FC all securing victories as the race for the Final Four intensifies. Morocco’s Ultra Chmicha suffered their first defeat of the competition, adding another twist to the standings with three rounds remaining in the round-robin league stage.
Saudi’s DR7, RA2 FC and Rising Peaks secure wins at Kings League MENA
RA2 stun Ultra Chmicha, ending Moroccan team’s unbeaten run Rising Peaks secure third consecutive victory with win over 3BS RIYADH: Kings League MENA Split One Matchday Six saw Saudi Arabia’s teams dominate, with DR7, Rising Peaks and RA2 FC all securing victories as the race for the Final Four intensifies. Morocco’s Ultra Chmicha suffered their first defeat of the competition, adding another twist to the standings with three rounds remaining in the round-robin league stage.
5 historic matches between Saudi Arabia and the UAE
The two nations will meet in the 2026 Arabian Gulf Cup final on Tuesday at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah DUBAI: On Saturday evening, Saudi Arabia defeated Qatar 3-2 in dramatic penalty shootout to reach the final of the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup, where they will meet the UAE, who overcame Oman 1-0 in the second semifinal later that night. The showdown at Al-Inma park will be the latest in a long history of vital matches between the neighbors.
Dubai Basketball kick off defense of ABA League title with victory in Slovenia
Reigning champions record comprehensive 85-70 win over Perpektiva Ilirija in Ljubljana and will clash against Crvena Zvezda on Thursday, Oct. 8 DUBAI: Dubai started their ABA League season with a comprehensive wire-to-wire win over Perpektiva Ilirija (70-85) in Tivoli Sports Hall, Ljubljana, at the weekend. Head coach Xavi Pascual had changed his starting five, with Thomas Walkup, Davion Mintz, Tornike Shengelia and Mamadi Diakite joining Dwayne Bacon on court for the tip-off.
‘Built to be at the podium’: AlUla beat Kuwait Club to claim third place in FIBA WASL
The 93-79 win at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex is highest-ever finish by a Saudi Arabia club DUBAI: AlUla Club claimed third place in the FIBA West Asia Super League 2026 by beating Kuwait Club 93-79 at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex in Lebanon’s Zouk Mikael on Sunday night. The Arabian Leopards had lost the semifinal to Al-Riyadi from the host nation but still had the opportunity to finish the tournament on a historic high for Saudi Arabia basketball.
‘Built to be at the podium’: AlUla beat Kuwait Club to claim third place in FIBA WASL
AlUla players celebrate after the Saudi club's third-place finish in the FIBA WASL 2026. (FIBA) The 93-79 win at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex is highest-ever finish by a Saudi Arabia club DUBAI: AlUla Club claimed third place in the FIBA West Asia Super League 2026 by beating Kuwait Club 93-79 at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex in Lebanon’s Zouk Mikael on Sunday night.
Dubai Basketball kick off defense of ABA League title with victory in Slovenia
Reigning champions record comprehensive 85-70 win over Perpektiva Ilirija in Ljubljana and will clash against Crvena Zvezda on Thursday, Oct. 8 DUBAI: Dubai started their ABA League season with a comprehensive wire-to-wire win over Perpektiva Ilirija (70-85) in Tivoli Sports Hall, Ljubljana, at the weekend. Head coach Xavi Pascual had changed his starting five, with Thomas Walkup, Davion Mintz, Tornike Shengelia and Mamadi Diakite joining Dwayne Bacon on court for the tip-off.
UAE tops Asian Games jiu-jitsu standings with record 5 golds
Home Features UAE tops Asian Games jiu-jitsu standings with record 5 golds UAE tops Asian Games jiu-jitsu standings with record 5 golds Short Url: 04 Oct 2026 18:49:49 GMT9 Emirati men and women athletes claimed 8 jiu-jitsu medals Nagoya 2026 kicked off on Sept. 19 and concludes on Oct. 4 DUBAI: The UAE’s jiu-jitsu national team topped the medal table at the 20th Asian Games — Aichi-Nagoya 2026, finishing with five golds as three days of competition came to a close on Saturday.
Al-Dahami grabs show jumping gold as Saudi Arabia ends Asian Games with 17 medals Original
It is the highest tally the contingent from the Kingdom has recorded in the history of the tournament DUBAI: The Saudi delegation participating in the 20th Asian Games, which concluded on Sunday in Japan, has achieved 18th place in the final overall ranking of the tournament with 17 medals, after Ramzi Al-Dahami grabbed a last-day win in show jumping. The four gold, three silver and 10 bronze medals mark the highest tally of awards since Saudi Arabia’s first-ever participation in 1982.
Saudi and Moroccan Derbies take Kings League MENA centerstage as Ultra Chmicha maintain perfect record
Matchday 5 sees DR7 edge RA2 7-6 in dramatic Saudi Derby for third straight victory Saudi’s Rising Peaks Move to seventh place after securing second consecutive win, beating Egypt’s Turbo 5-2 RIYADH: Ilyas Elmaliki’s Ultra Chmicha won the Morocco Derby, while Drb7h’s DR7 continued their resurgence by winning an all-Saudi showdown on a Matchday 5 of the Kings League MENA at Cool Arena in Riyadh.
‘Special course’: Liam Nolan claims maiden title in style at Abu Dhabi Challenge
The Irishman won by four in Al-Ain to move into DP World Tour promotion places ABU DHABI: Ireland’s Liam Nolan won his first HotelPlanner Tour title in fine style at the Abu Dhabi Challenge, holding his nerve to close out a four-stroke victory at the Al-Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club in the Al-Ain Region. The 26-year-old from Galway started the final round two clear.
UAE tops Asian Games jiu-jitsu standings with record 5 golds Original
Emirati men and women athletes claimed 8 jiu-jitsu medals Nagoya 2026 kicked off on Sept. 19 and concludes on Oct. 4 DUBAI: The UAE’s jiu-jitsu national team topped the medal table at the 20th Asian Games — Aichi-Nagoya 2026, finishing with five golds as three days of competition came to a close on Saturday. The UAE finished with eight medals, including five golds, two silvers and one bronze.
Saudi Arabia beat Qatar on penalties to reach Arabian Gulf Cup final Original
The 3-2 shootout win at Al-Inma Stadium leaves Saudi with a chance at a first title since 2004 DUBAI: Saudi Arabia defeated Qatar 3-2 on penalties at Al-Inma Stadium on Saturday to reach the final of the Arabian Gulf Cup for the first time since 2019. The glory went to Mukhtar Ali with winning spot kick late into the Jeddah night. They will now face the winner of the UAE v Oman match in Tuesday’s final.
Umar Nurmagomedov, Urijah Faber join RAF Abu Dhabi card Original
Reigning light heavyweight champion Kyle Snyder will face unbeaten Shamil Erdogan at Etihad Arena on Nov. 14 ABU DHABI: Umar Nurmagomedov will make his Real American Freestyle debut against Urijah Faber, as one of MMA’s leading bantamweights meets one of the sport’s most accomplished veterans at RAF Abu Dhabi. The event will take place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Saturday, Nov. 14. Tickets are now on sale exclusively through Etihad Arena.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Ali
Contact Ali, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack