Partnership will support patients and strengthen community solidarity values

Dubai, UAE, 11 June 2025: Dubai Basketball has announced the signing of a strategic partnership with Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, naming it the club’s Charity Partner through the end of 2026. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to harnessing the power of sport to support patients and promote community cohesion, in alignment with the goals of the UAE Year of Community 2025.

As part of the agreement, Dubai Basketball will invite members from Al Jalila Foundation’s key programmes; including Ta’alouf, A’awen, and Majlis Al Amal, the first of its kind community centre dedicated to female cancer patients and their wellbeing, to attend games and club events. The initiative aims to provide encouragement, and emotional support to patients and their families through the inclusive spirit of sport.

In a move to further raise awareness, the club will also showcase inspiring patient stories on arena screens during games, encouraging greater community engagement with the Foundation’s mission and initiatives.

Recently, the team welcomed a group of ten children supported by Al Jalila Foundation, giving them the opportunity to meet the team’s players in an uplifting and motivational experience. The visit was designed to foster social inclusion and demonstrate the emotional and psychological benefits sport can bring.

Dejan Kamenjašević, General Manager and Co-Founder of Dubai Basketball, said: “We believe sport has the potential to make a genuine and sustainable impact on people’s lives, which is why our partnership with Al Jalila Foundation extends beyond sporting competition to create tangible benefits for patients and their families across the UAE.”

“This collaboration embodies our shared commitment to promoting compassion and community cohesion through practical initiatives including hospital visits and welcoming young patients to the club’s activities, demonstrating the humanitarian role that sport can play in fostering community solidarity.”

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: “Sport is a powerful platform for social connection and emotional healing. Our partnership with Dubai Basketball creates unique opportunities to engage with diverse groups and deliver positive experiences that can uplift and inspire.”

“This collaboration goes far beyond entertainment; it carries a deeply human impact. By involving patients and their families in the club’s activities, we are offering moments of joy, hope, and belonging, all of which play an essential role in the healing process. It’s a testament to how sport can serve as a bridge between the healthcare and community sectors.”

With over 60,000 fans attending games at Coca-Cola Arena during the 2024/2025 season, Dubai Basketball continues to expand its community outreach and youth development programmes in line with the UAE’s broader vision of inclusive and sustainable growth across all sectors.

-ENDS-

About Dubai Basketball: 

Founded in 2023 by UAE’s Abdulla Saeed Al Naboodah, Dubai Basketball is a newly-established professional basketball franchise that plays in Europe’s – the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League for the 2024/25 season. The franchise has assembled a strong roster of players with the team represented by countries including the Philippines, USA, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Jordan, Turkey, Latvia, Italy, Bosnia, and France. The franchise plays their home games in the ABA League at Coca-Cola Arena.

Dubai Basketball stands as a testament to the power of passion and dedication in shaping the landscape of basketball in the UAE and beyond. Its foundation is built upon a diverse and talented team, consisting of FIBA-certified coaches, former professional players, business experts, and passionate enthusiasts.

Dubai Basketball is committed to catalysing positive social change, where dreams are not just envisioned but realised, talents are not merely found but nurtured, and aspirations are not only lived but fulfilled.

Keep up to date with the latest news on Dubai Basketball by visiting www.dubaibasketball.com or on its social media platforms:

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Media Enquiries:

Hanan Mohamed

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About Al Jalila Foundation

Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, is a global healthcare charity transforming lives through medical innovation.

Established in April 2013 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the foundation works to position Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of medical advancement.

The foundation provides essential treatment for those unable to afford healthcare, funds scholarships for medical professionals and supports pioneering research addressing critical health challenges – including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and mental health.