Emirati chess grandmaster Rouda Alserkal
Rouda Essa Alserkal is the UAE's first woman grandmaster and aims to clinch the main Grandmaster title soon
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Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai targets 1,000km of dedicated cycling tracks by 2030
Dubai has always set the benchmark in many areas, and the bustling emirate is now further enhancing its reputation for healthy living and sustainable transport. Dubai, which is already boasts if 560km of cycling tracks, is aiming 1,000km of dedicated cycling tracks by 2030, the Dubai Media Office said on Sunday, June 22. The growth has been tremendous with Dubai starting off with nine kilometres of cycling tracks in 2006.
Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Godolphin adds another glorious chapter at Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot, the glittering jewel of British flat racing, once again lived up to its lofty billing this year, delivering unforgettable moments, stirring narratives, and heart-stopping finishes. For Godolphin, the global racing force established by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in 1993, this year's Royal Ascot was a meeting to remember. It was a vivid display of grit, talent, and an unwavering commitment to raising the bar of thoroughbred racing excellence. 'It's the Olympics of racing,' trainer Charlie Appleby remarked, summing up a tumultuous five days where highs and lows collided and heartbreak gave way to triumph most spectacularly. Godolphin's week was crowned by standout performances that echoed the values on which Sheikh Mohammed created the stable — ambition and a global outlook. From the Ombudsman's defining win, Trawlerman's relentless staying power, and Rebel's Romance's defiant brilliance on the final day, the Royal Meeting became a grand stage for blue silks to shine. In the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes, Ombudsman didn't just win — he made a statement. The four-year-old son of Night of Thunder now widely seen as Europe's top older middle-distance contender, powered away from the pack with such authority that competitors were left trailing in his wake. A tilt at the Eclipse Stakes (July 5 at Sandown Park), a high-stakes contest between three-year-olds and older horses could be next as he continues his upward trajectory. Following the win legendary trainer John Gosden, a US Racing Hall of Fame trainer, paid tribute to Godolphin's founder saying: 'Sheikh Mohammed is without doubt the nicest and easiest owner I've ever trained for. He says, 'Do what we think is right.' I never get pushed. This horse wouldn't be the horse he is without that kind of patience.' Thursday was the day of redemption and record-setting for Godolphin's Trawlerman. After finishing second in last year's gruelling 4,014-metre Gold Cup, the seasoned seven-year-old returned with fierce determination, surging ahead to claim victory by an impressive seven lengths — a true masterclass in endurance. Once again, the training duties were handled by John Gosden and his son Thady 'He owed us nothing, but he gave us everything," said William Buick, Godolphin's retained jockey. Dubai Future, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, a gallant third in the same race, confirmed Godolphin's strength in depth. Only two days later, William Buick was back in the saddle, guiding one of Godolphin's flagbearers to another unforgettable triumph. Rebel's Romance, already a globe-trotting marvel with Group 1, wins on three continents, became the oldest horse ever to win the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes. It was Appleby's final runner of the week, a last roll of the dice. Appleby's voice cracked with emotion as he spoke of Rebel's Romance: "What more can I say about this horse? He's more than our Iron Horse. He's kept our yard afloat this week. He's our stable favourite and always will be." The Dubawi gelding took his win tally to 18 wins, stretching his lead over stablemates Anamoe and Lemon Pop as Godolphin's most prolific racehorse. Seven of those iconic victories have come at Group 1 level. From the Breeders' Cup Turf to the Dubai Sheema Classic, from Hong Kong to Germany, he's flown the Godolphin flag with distinction. And now, he has added a Royal Ascot success to his glittering portfolio. Meanwhile, Godolphin's longest-serving trainer Saeed bin Suroor added his own historic touch to the week when he saddled Arabian Story to win the Britannia Stakes handing veteran handler his 40th Royal Ascot winner — a milestone that underlines his longevity and craft. Though Godolphin fell short of clinching a third consecutive Leading Owner title, a feat they proudly achieved in 2021 and 2022, their 2024 campaign sent a clear message: their dominance on the world stage remains undiminished, their spirit as fierce as ever. As the dust settles on another epic Royal Ascot meeting, there is no denying that the blue silks of Godolphin added another memorable chapter to their illustrious history.
The National
10 hours ago
- The National
Dubai Basketball to join EuroLeague as 'dream becomes a reality'
Dubai Basketball will join the EuroLeague on a five-year contract from September 2025, just a year after being founded. The competition, regarded as one of the toughest basketball leagues in the world, 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 a slot to play in the 2025/26 EuroLeague season. In a stellar debut campaign in the ABA League – where the team reached the play-off semi-finals before being halted by Partizan – Dubai Basketball showed the huge potential for the sport in the emirate. Not only did they excel on the court, they made the Coca-Cola Arena their home, attracting crowds in excess of 5,000 fans. 'I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the leadership of Dubai and the Dubai Sports Council for their unwavering support,' Abdulla Saeed Juma Al Naboodah, chairman and Founder of Dubai Basketball, said. 'Their vision and commitment have been instrumental in making the success of Dubai Basketball possible.' The team, under the stewardship of head coach Jurica Golemac, will now take a huge step forward in a competition boasting the elite of European basketball. The move also deepens the UAE's ties with the EuroLeague, with the 2025 finals having been staged at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in May. Istanbul giants Fenerbahce were crowned champions in front of a sold out arena on Yas Island. As well as Fenerbahce, Dubai Basketball will face the likes of Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos as the club brings top-tier European basketball to Coca-Cola Arena from September 2025 to June 2026. Co-Chief Executive Officer Dejan Kamenjasevic said this latest step follows years of hard work to get the project off the ground. 'Dubai Basketball is not an instant project – it has taken us years to reach the point we are in today,' he said. 'But it brings me great pride to say that this team is an instant success [on the court]. 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 a total of nearly 80,000 fans to Coca-Cola Arena, paving the way for a new era for the sport in the emirate. That fan base is expected to grow next season, with the team's home arena boasting a capacity of 15,000 in its basketball format. Fans can register to attend 2025/26 season games through the Coca-Cola Arena website, with full season passes available in July.
