Arab Golf Federation launches Arab Golf Series and amateur ranking system

The Arab Golf Federation (AGF) has announced the launch of the Arab Golf Series (AGS). (Supplied)
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Updated 03 March 2025
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Arab Golf Federation launches Arab Golf Series and amateur ranking system

  • Working closely with the 17 national federations included, the new series will roll out through 2025, driving the growth of the sport in the region
  • Following the Qatar Open, the series is set to continue with the Cedars Golf Championship, Pan-Arab Ladies & Juniors Championship, and the Jordan Open

RIYADH: The Arab Golf Federation (AGF) has announced the launch of the Arab Golf Series (AGS), a new, unified schedule of tournaments in the region which also includes an official independent ranking system. The initiative is set to transform golf in the Arab world by enhancing competition, identifying and nurturing emerging talent, and providing Arab golfers of all levels with a clear pathway to professional success.

The AGS, which officially kicked off with its first event at the Qatar Open at Doha Golf Club, sets out a new schedule of tournaments that adopts Arab Golf Federation member’s amateur open events. The series will be rolled out across men’s tournaments in the region and will then expand to competitions across women’s and junior fields. Working closely with the 17 national federations included, the new series will roll out through 2025, driving the growth of the sport in the region and promoting Arab golfing ability on the global stage.

The new regional rankings, revealed as part of AGS, will offer a structured system that rewards performance and provides a pathway for Arab golfers to progress to the highest levels. By earning ranking points, players can leverage their success to qualify for elite and professional tournaments, creating new opportunities for rising stars to compete at elite levels.

The ranking system will follow a structured, points-based mechanism in line with global best practices. Factors such as strength of field, number of players, and average tournament scores will be taken into consideration when calculating ranking points for each event, ensuring player performance is assessed fairly and able to contribute to their overall standing.

In addition to the competitive doors that the initiative will open, exposure to more elite tournaments will also increase the ability for Arab golfers to access critical scholarships through the AGF’s expansive programs.

Following the Qatar Open, the series is set to continue with the Cedars Golf Championship, Pan-Arab Ladies & Juniors Championship, and the Jordan Open. A full 2025 regional calendar will also be confirmed, further expanding competitive opportunities for Arab golfers.

The Arab Golf Federation, which represents the collective interests of 17 member federations, aims to streamline the governance of golf in the Arab world and enhance its overall development by creating enhanced and accessible opportunities for its members. With this key announcement, AGF will leverage its extensive network and expertise to oversee the roll-out of the new series and ranking system, ensuring it aligns with the unique needs and aspirations of Arab players and future golf champions from the region.


Danube Group launches UAE’s first cricket-focused digital media platform

Updated 18 December 2025
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Danube Group launches UAE’s first cricket-focused digital media platform

  • Move marks a new front for one of the UAE’s most diversified conglomerates
  • Anis Sajan: Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket

DUBAI: Danube Group has entered the digital sports media sector with the launch of Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group, the country’s first cricket-focused digital media platform, under the leadership of its vice chairman, Anis Sajan.

The move marks a new front for one of the UAE’s most diversified conglomerates, expanding its footprint beyond real estate, retail, building materials and hospitality into the fast-growing digital sports media landscape. The platform reflects Danube Group’s strategy of diversification and its focus on consumer-driven, high-growth sectors.

The launch event in Dubai was attended by several international cricket stars, including Dinesh Karthik, Eoin Morgan, JP Duminy, Fakhar Zaman, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Khurram Khan, alongside figures from across the regional sports community.

Speaking at the launch, Sajan said: “Today, Danube Group takes a major leap into a brand-new segment. Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket. As the UAE becomes a global hub for the sport, this platform will bring world-class cricket content, storytelling, and exclusive access to fans worldwide.”

Headquartered in Dubai, Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group becomes the first digital media house in the UAE dedicated exclusively to cricket. The platform will initially focus on cricket content, drawing on the UAE’s strong connection to the sport and Sajan’s global network, before expanding into coverage of other major sports as part of a long-term plan to evolve into a multi-sport digital platform.

The platform will offer a wide range of content, including live and real-time cricket coverage, exclusive interviews with international players, premium digital video productions, studio shows, social-first short-form content, documentary-style storytelling rooted in cricket culture, and behind-the-scenes access across global leagues.

The launch comes as the UAE continues to strengthen its position in the global cricket landscape, having hosted major tournaments such as the T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, ILT20, T10 competitions and numerous international fixtures.

“The UAE has truly become a home away from home for people of many nationalities like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, united by their love of cricket, alongside expatriates from England, Australia, South Africa, and beyond who are also cricket lovers,” Sajan added. “Hence, launching a world-class sports media platform here is a step toward cementing the nation’s role not just in hosting the sport, but in shaping how it is consumed by these audiences.”

Danube Group said the move aligns with its long-term vision of innovation, diversification and community engagement, with digital sports media forming a new vertical that combines technology, entertainment and culture.

Sajan underlined the personal significance of the project, saying: “Cricket has always been a passion for me for the last 45 years, will continue to be my passion, and will never be treated as a business.”