KAUST and KAU join forces for research in cancer

Donal Bradley, KAUST vice president for research, and Yusuf Al-Turki, KAU vice president for graduate studies and scientific research, signed the MoU during a ceremony at KAU.
Updated 13 October 2019
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KAUST and KAU join forces for research in cancer

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and King Abdul Aziz University (KAU) signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate and fund scientific research in areas that are strategically instrumental to achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The areas of collaboration include cancer research, energy harvesting and storage, solar technology, CO2 valorization, renewable energy and desert agriculture.

Donal Bradley, KAUST vice president for research, and Yusuf Al-Turki, KAU vice president for graduate studies and scientific research, signed the MoU during a ceremony at KAU on Sunday, attended by KAUST President Tony Chan and KAU President Abdulrahman AI-Youbi.

“KAUST and KAU are long-standing partners whose missions complement each other,” said Chan. “Today’s MoU cements an ongoing collaboration between the two universities, which has been designed to support the Kingdom, particularly in these transformative times. The collaborative research efforts shared by KAUST and KAU will help drive innovation for a better future,” he added.

Bradley explained that this agreement provides the best opportunity to develop effective and impactful research projects.

“Today’s MoU reflects ongoing collaboration with one of Saudi Arabia’s leading universities,” he said. “It offers both institutions the opportunity to develop impactful projects that are both broader and deeper in scope. We look forward to seeing the fruits of this interaction grow over time.” 

AI-Youbi said the agreement is a continuation of KAU’s strategy to expand its partnerships and exchange expertise and that it will provide an opportunity to benefit from the vast research experience of faculty members at KAU and KAUST.


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
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Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action. 

From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season. 

Key sporting events taking place during DSF: 

Dubai Racing Carnival 

  • Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13. 
  • Location: Meydan Racecourse 

The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys. 

More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday 

Silver Cup 

  • Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24 
  • Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club 

Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup 

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4 

  • Date: Jan. 4 
  • Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track 

The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4 

Hood to Coast Dubai 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve 

Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast 

Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k) 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Meydan 

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run 

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 11 
  • Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon 

A citywide sporting season 

With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.