Dubai, xx December 2024: Dubai Basketball have today completed the signing of one of the Middle East’s standout players – Lebanese star Wael Arakji.

The 30-year-old joins for the 2024/25 season bringing with him a wealth of talent and experience as Dubai Basketball maintains their ABA League playoff push.

Nicknamed ‘The Fearsome’, Arakji is a dominant presence on-court, a high-scorer with an impressive basketball résumé that has seen him win championships across the world, including in Lebanon, Qatar, and Tunisia – while also having successful stints in China, and in the NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks. He also has two FIBA Asia Champions Cup winner’s medals – the highest accolade for club basketball in Asia.

A hero in his native Lebanon, Arakji helped his country to the 2022 Arab Basketball Championship, and finished runner-up in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup. In both tournaments, he was MVP, averaging an impressive 26 points per game in the Asia Cup.

In joining a high-level organisation and a team committed to excellence, Arakji finds himself in perfect environment to thrive, and is highly motivated to make history – not only as a team, but also individually as the first Lebanese player in the ABA League.

Arakji will immediately go into the Dubai Basketball squad for their next game against Mornar on Sunday, December 15 at Coca-Cola Arena. His scoring prowess will add another dimension to a team 8-3 in the ABA League in their very first season.

With the business end of the season approaching and playoff places to be secured, Dubai Basketball Head Coach Jurica Golemac is confident Arakji will make a huge impact – and show the wealth of local talent growing in the region.

Dubai Basketball head coach Jurica Golemac said: “Wael brings valuable experience and offensive skills to our team. While he’ll need some time to adapt to the league and our system, his talent is undeniable. We’re confident he’ll demonstrate to the world that regional basketball is on the rise and serve as an outstanding representative of GCC basketball.”

Wael Arakji said: “I am incredibly excited to join Dubai Basketball. This is fantastic organisation and it is an honour to be part of this inaugural season. Something very special is being built here and that will only go from strength to strength in the future. As professionals we live to play at the highest levels – and that’s what you get here at Dubai Basketball. There is a great group of players and coaches here and I can’t wait to join them.”

He added that he is looking forward to playing in front of many of his compatriots at Coca-Cola Arena.

“There is a hugely passionate Lebanese basketball community in Dubai, and I know they are making their voices heard by creating an amazing atmosphere every time we step on court. I am excited to make my debut this weekend and hope everyone can come down to Coca-Cola Arena to be part of this great occasion.”

You can watch Wael Arakji make his Dubai Basketball debut when they take on Mornar at Coca-Cola Arena on Sunday, December 15, tip-off 6:30 pm. Tickets are available here.