Latest news with #KUUMARSHYAM
Al Etihad
10-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
E1H trains startups for leg up in sports ecosystem
11 June 2025 00:18 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)The management company that organises some of the region's biggest sporting events such as the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, UFC and the NBA games has completed their first cohort of grooming sports-focused the UAE's first dedicated sports ecosystem and incubator, the Ethara 1TW Innovation Hub (E1H) was established to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE and the wider region by providing startups with access to expertise, commerce and the end of a six-week programme, in which eight early-stage ventures received strategic guidance, a Pitch event was held at the Yas Marina Circuit's Conference Centre to provide funding avenues to support and fast-track their eight ventures were an eclectic mix, yet, targeting multi-faceted instance, ParkBuddy is trying to address everyone's pet peeve during major events – finding a parking spot. A couple of initiatives, such as a website ArabsMMA and a podcast-newsletter Mettleset, are trying to spread the word about their niche areas through the communications is a sustainability drive involving recycling waste which is being spearheaded by Green Light are use-cases of artificial intelligence, data and robotics being utilised from organisation to operations either for employee engagement or smoothening workflows in logistical services with companies such as Athlyn, Neoma and Icosium then there is eSportian, which is looking at the future of education and the rising scene of e-sports in the region.'E-Sports is big here and in the MENA region,' said Ivan Kerkoc, the founder and a professor at a Spanish university in Barcelona. 'Yet, when it comes to academics and accompanying scholarships, the choices are limited. There are those who are good at e-sports but need support in their education in countries where e-sports have recognition and established affordable education."And there are some who excel in both areas and would like to come here for playing and job opportunities in gaming companies.'ParkBuddy is focusing only on events in Dubai for now, but the expansion plans are on the anvil. The startup promises dynamic and flexible parking solutions; advanced planning will go a long way to ensuring a smooth experience for motorists.'We work with organisers and authorities such as police at times to have multiple options for every type of situation, however dynamic they may be,' said Daniel Hachem, the founder of mobile app-based solution not only directs consumers to available parking spots and reduces long walks, it can reserve a parking spot for a small only one in the group to get a brand sponsor attached is the pioneering media platform focusing on women in MENA sports, The Mettleset. Led by Dawn Barnable, a Canadian endurance athlete, her upcoming website is trying to bridge the gap between athletes, their stories and sports content where the sportswear company New Balance has already come on board.'Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Ethara,' said Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, the CEO of Ethara in his address. 'That's why we created E1H with our partners at OneToWatch (1TW). We want to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to build new ventures that add value not just to Ethara but to Abu Dhabi's global vision for sport and entertainment.' E1H Cohort 1 startups ArabsMMA – Zahi EphremA marketer and martial artist, Zahi founded ArabsMMA, the first media platform dedicated to combat sports in the Middle – Ahmed OmarWith 15-plus years' experience in the UAE sports and corporate sectors, Omar's platform bridges sport and corporate – Ivan KerkocA Spanish university professor and former NCAA recruiter, Kerkoc founded Esportian to merge traditional sports and esports Technologies – Billel Boudouma and Mohamed AliThis venture blends robotics, artificial intelligence and human experience to deliver real-world micro-automation – Daniel HachemDaniel aims to revolutionise urban mobility through smart parking solutions, drawing on his engineering and entrepreneurial – Francois ChabaudieWith a background in private equity and consulting, Chabaudie created Neoma to improve human interaction through smart Mettleset – Dawn BarnableA seasoned communicator and endurance athlete, Dawn founded The Mettleset to tell meaningful stories through the lens of Light Events – Robert Angelieri An event operations expert, Robert drives innovation in sustainable events through branding, logistics and venue strategy. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
FIFA World Cup qualifier: UAE draw fails to stop Uzbekistan seal historic entry to Finals
6 June 2025 00:32 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)The eve of Eid Al Adha did not bring the sweets the UAE desired in a 0-0 result in Abu Dhabi against Uzbekistan in a crucial match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifying stage on Thursday. Needing a point to secure one of two automatic berths from Group A to the Finals in United States, Mexico and Canada, the second-placed Uzbekistan got what they needed after more than 90 minutes of action against the third-placed UAE at Al Wahda's Al Nahyan Cosmin Olaroiu's men hoped their rivals, also an Islam-dominated nation, would succumb to butterflies in their stomachs ahead of a historic first entry to the Finals stage, it did not UAE will now have to head to the next stage of qualifying where chances get slimmer. In anticipation of the difficult road, and manager Olaroiu having been parachuted into this game as a late replacement for Paulo Bento, the UAE fans unfurled huge banners of support which read: 'Dreams Will Come True' and 'We Trust You Guys'.For the strategists, UAE could have started aggressively or played a cautious hand at first. They seemed to have gone for the latter, even when there was early trouble for Uzbekistan when Farrukh Safyiev experienced groin or hamstring problems. He tried to come back but on his first touch again experienced discomfort and had to be replaced with Abbosbek Fayzullaev. In a dull first half, UAE showed more flair but not the finishing skills to boot. Seeing their hesitation or struggles, Uzbekistan made couple of forays, but the defenders and goalkeeper Khalid Eissa proved to alert through the match. If any indication was needed about the intent, the UAE started with a wing formation of 4-2-3-1 while Uzbekistan organised themselves in a diamond pattern with 3-4-2-1 making moves from the middle of the pitch scarce to come the breather, there was an immediate show of intent from the UAE with Caio Canedo attempting a weak shot and hoping to find the goalkeeper wrong-footed, in vain. Soon after, Uzbekistan had a counter threat saved by the crossbar. If the pace of the first 10 minutes raised hopes of a momentum shift, it proved to be a false past the hour mark, Olaroiu swaps out Ali Saleh with Yahya Al Ghassani, who came with many sprinting bursts but his colleagues were not in sync with him. And then, expectedly, Uzbekistan players started time-wasting tactics and cramping up to break the flow of the game. Uzbekistan got the draw they wanted, with a game to spare, however scrappy the point came. Meanwhile, the UAE play Kyrgyzstan next in their final group game, the away game mostly to stay firm in third or fourth place. Olariou and his men will now need to start also gearing up for the next round of play-offs where the middle teams of three groups will churn to get two teams into the funnel. The UAE remain in hope, that dreams will come true.
Al Etihad
03-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
All eyes on Olaroiu to spark UAE's World Cup bid
4 June 2025 00:11 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)The national football team faces a pivotal moment in the fourth round of the Asian qualifying to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup under the guidance of newly appointed manager Cosmin Romanian has been parachuted into the role following the dismissal of Paulo Bento, with the UAE aiming to secure a spot in the global tournament set to be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United the tough task, the coach is also the best placed to pin hopes of winning a qualification berth because the manager has coached three UAE clubs during 10 years of stay in the country. Even Olaroiu has acknowledge he picked up the posting because of his desire to "give back" for his deep-rooted connection to the UAE, both professionally and appointment comes after a successful tenure with Sharjah, where he led the club to victory in the AFC Champions League Two, marking his 14th trophy in the region. "I have a very difficult mission," Olaroiu acknowledged following Sharjah's triumph coming days after losing in the UAE President's Cup final against Shabab Al Ahli, another club he has coached."I know the big responsibility that I have. I have to pay back the hospitality this country has given me and my family. I have learned a lot of things in this country and have made myself a better person with a better vision of life. I have to pay back, which is why I accepted this mission."The UAE's path to World Cup qualification is challenging. Currently third in Group A, they trail group leaders Iran and second-placed Uzbekistan, with two matches remaining. The top two teams from each group earn automatic qualification, while the third and fourth-placed teams advance to further play-off Iran are through and Uzbekistan are four points ahead of UAE, the national team can still upset Uzbekistan whom they play on Thursday evening at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Uzbekistan, under coach Timur Kapadze, need only a draw in Abu Dhabi to secure their first-ever World Cup berth. A loss for the UAE would leave them into the grind of potentially two complicated final rounds of play-offs for third- and fourth-placed teams from this Olaroiu remains resolute. "Of course, I have the dream to participate in the World Cup. I will do my best to do that, and I think this fantastic nation deserves it," he stated. "The way this country has developed, the way they have grown up in sport, they deserve to participate in the World Cup. I hope we can do it."The final group match against Kyrgyzstan on June 10 will further determine the UAE's fate. If UAE beat Uzbekistan and the latter lose to Qatar, then even a draw against Kyrgyzstan should see UAE take the automatic second-place berth on better goal Uzbekistan's road can become tougher if they lose to UAE because they will be facing Qatar, who have also changed their coach and gone for the experienced Spanish stalwart Julen Lopetegui. Having replaced compatriot Luis Garcia, Lopetegui responded to a question if Qatar is looking at him for the long-term, by saying: "The long-term vision, for now, is the 5th of June," Lopetegui said to local media. "Then, it will be the 10th of June, that's how football works." Just like Lopetegui, Olaroiu is also looking to focus at the game in hand. Sporting a rare half-grin on his face after a training session at Al Jazira's Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium down the road from the match venue, the coach called upon the fans to come out in large numbers. "It is a very important night for UAE football and we need all your support and, Inshallah, we will bring home the most important result for us," Olaroiu said.
Al Etihad
02-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Dubai Basketball bow out of ABA as EuroLeague beckons
3 June 2025 01:00 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI) Dubai Basketball's remarkable run in the Adriatic Basketball League (ABA) came to an end with a 114-97 defeat in the decider of the three-game semi-finals to Partizan Belgrade. Playing away in Serbia, the UAE outfit led for more than 25 minutes before their defence crumbled to end their Eastern European campaign. Had the team held on for another 15 minutes and shored up the defence on rebounds, they would have stunned the most experienced, decorated side of the competition. Yet, the Dubai club can hold their heads high and can look forward to a level up in international competition. Dubai Basketball are awaiting formal confirmation of their inclusion in the EuroLeague for the next season as Europe's elite competition looks to expand to 20 teams from the current 18. Making a strong impression in their debut in the ABA will only cast the spotlight more firmly on Dubai Basketball. According to reports, a shareholders' meeting held last week by EuroLeague laid out the expansion plans. Though two teams are to be added, regulars Alba Berlin have announced they are pulling out, so three teams have been pencilled in. Without naming the teams, EuroLeague officials said the list will be submitted for ratification 'contingent upon the completion of all required formalities'. Basket News identified the trio as Hapoel Tel Aviv, Valencia Basket and Dubai Basketball, while reporting that Alba Berlin would be joining the rival Fiba Basketball Champions League from next season. The report added that Hapoel Tel Aviv, the reigning champions of Europe's second-tier EuroCup, have been granted a one-year licence, while Valencia Basket – who were relegated from the EuroLeague in the 2023/24 season – and Dubai Basketball will hold three and five-year licences respectively. In the revised schedule post the expansion, each club will play an expanded regular season of 38 games, up from 34. Six teams will advance directly to the play-offs with four others entering a play-in tournament. The road ahead looked so rosy that Dubai Basketball may have lost focus on the job at hand on Sunday night. They had bounced back from the opening-game loss, also in Serbia, to win at the Coca-Cola Arena and level the series against Partizan Belgrade. In the decider, they led 50-47 after the first half but a 14-point run, starting late in the third quarter, swung the momentum decisively with star tactician Zeliko Obradovic playing a vital role for Dubai's rivals. Besides Obradovic, Duane Washington Jr. notched a team-high 18 points. Sterling Brown and Carlik Jones added 17 points apiece while captain Vanja Marinkovic chipped in with 15 points (5/5 triple-pointers) and Tyrique Jones had 14 points with 5/5 two-pointers. For Dubai, their Latvian import Davis Bertans stood out with 18 points, including 11 in the first quarter. Nate Mason followed with 16 points. Dubai's Slovenian coach Jurica Golemac said afterwards: 'I would like to congratulate Partizan on the victory; there were a lot of points and quality basketball tonight. In the third quarter, our energy started to drop, and Partizan stood out, especially with the individual quality of Marinković, who scored 3-4 times for three points and took the game away from us. 'We also missed [Awudu] Abbas, who was injured in the last match. It was very difficult for us to match Partizan's athletic abilities, and this was seen on the rebounds, where Partizan had 11 more possessions. We cannot be dissatisfied because we led against them for 23 minutes, and we played good and smart basketball. I wish Partizan all the best in the final.'
Al Etihad
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
NextGen: Dubai's Falcons hold promise as basketball talent
28 May 2025 00:46 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)The NextGen Finals for Under-18 basketball players on the sidelines of the EuroLeague's Final Four in Abu Dhabi proved to be a vital stepping stone for some of the sport's future superstars in the week gone by. And the host country's representatives Dubai Basketball Falcons impressed despite many challenges.'We got only 10 days to come together to prepare, so considering the challenges, I am proud of the team,' coach Slaven Rimac tells Aletihad after the side finished their third and final Group A engagement at the Mubadala Arena. The world's top eight clubs were pitted in two groups and only the group toppers made it to the final. The hastily arranged team of Dubai Basketball had a tough pairing with one of the oldest clubs, Barcelona, to open the tournament on a losing note. But they acquitted themselves with a comeback win against Mega Super Belgrade and even rallied in the third quarter and led against eventual finalist Emporio Armani Milan in the final game. But the Italian club's more experienced players dug deep and managed to find the win 86-84, such was the fine is a saying that in order to be the best, you have to beat the best. But in order for that to happen, you first have to see and face the best. Judging by the display of the younger Falcons and the fact that Milan lost to eventual winner Zalgiris Kaunas 89-81, the future seems only bright from here.'We have young players like Gustavs [Vilcans] or [Diop] Amath, who are born in 2010, then Bacary [Doucoure] is also 2010, and meanwhile all of the squad of EA Milan is like 2007 and they have been playing together for about two years now,' Rimac pointed team finished strongly especially considering a 46-point margin loss to Barcelona. 'Unfortunately, we played against a very good team of Barcelona. They punished us and we were not under any illusions. But yes, it was important how we react to that and the boys concentrated on the second and third games.'We showed that we have quality, that the kids know how to play right... I guess the kids were not used to that stage, especially in offence where they couldn't react as well as after. But we showed we had a united team; everybody respects each other and I think we showed a really good face of Dubai basketball team.'I was indeed worried about the players' mental and psychological side after that Barcelona loss because we knew we had a certain quality but as you know, we didn't have time to practice as much. Yet, the team reacted very well with that response against Mega. And remember, it is the first time we are playing in Abu Dhabi, too,' Rimac other group also was strongly contested with the Lithuanian side of Kaunas prevailing over teams from Real Madrid, Paris and United States. Dubai Basketball competed as wild card entrants and managed to carve their own impressions, as hoped by Rimac colleague and the general manager of the club's youth programme, Petros Krasopoulos. 'For the kids coming through our academy and other young players across the UAE, seeing a team from Dubai competing in the NextGen EuroLeague has been a massive source of inspiration,' said Krasopoulos, the Greek native who has been with the club since 2015. 'It makes professional basketball an achievable feat – highlighting that there's a clear pathway from playing the game here locally to stepping onto the court against some of the biggest youth teams in Europe.'
