Dubai, 3 June 2025: The first-ever sports club representing the city of Dubai marks the end of an incredible inaugural season of competition. Reaching the final leg of the semi-finals against the Serbian powerhouse Partizan, Dubai Basketball exceeded the expectation for a newly formed club, one game at a time.

Dubai Basketball officially set out on their journey in the Adriatic League in September – competing against some of the most prolific teams in Europe. From beating reigning champions Red Star in their opening game to being one of the only teams in the league to beat Partizan twice in their home court, the 2024/25 season was packed with milestones.

The third and final game of the semi-finals took place on Sunday night at Belgrade Arena, the home of Partizan. Yet Dubai Basketball arrived determined and ready to fight.

Dubai opened the game with intensity, taking an early lead as Davis Bertans, Klemen Prepelić, and Nate Mason each sank three-pointers within the first four minutes. By the end of the first quarter, Dubai had stormed ahead with a commanding nine-point lead.

However, the momentum began to shift in the second quarter. With the backing of a packed home crowd, Partizan tightened their defence and gradually closed the gap, reducing Dubai’s lead to just a single point by the end of the third quarter.

As the game progressed into the third and fourth quarters, Partizan demonstrated why they are seven-time ABA League champions. Although they surged ahead, Dubai refused to go down without a fight, repeatedly equalising the score and keeping the contest wide open.

In the final quarter, Partizan pulled away, scoring an impressive 28 points that widened the gap to 17 and ultimately secured their place in the finals. Dubai, however, walked away with their heads held high, having challenged one of Europe’s top basketball teams to the very end.

Reflecting on the season, Dubai Basketball’s head coach Jurica Golemac commented, “We must be satisfied. This was our first season, with 13 new players in total. We were fortunate to have selected not only top-quality athletes but also exceptional people who made this journey smoother.
Throughout the season, we played good basketball. We claimed major wins – including victories over some of the league’s giants – and today, we pushed Partizan into a serious battle for a place in the finals. Plans for the future are already underway. In fact, they’ve been in motion throughout the season. Analysis, planning – it all continues. As they say, the off-season begins tomorrow, and so does our preparation for what comes next.”

This season has been nothing short of historic for the first sports team in the country representing the city of Dubai. It has laid the foundation for a legacy in the making, one that is not only transforming the sporting landscape in the country but also supporting the region’s presence on the global basketball stage. Dubai Basketball’s debut has shown that a newly established team can rise to challenge Europe’s elite — creating something monumental for the sport, not just in the country, but across the Middle East.

-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:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/dubaibasketballclub
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dubaibasketballclub/
X – https://x.com/dubaibasket
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@DubaiBasketball

Media Enquiries:

Hanan Mohamed

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