Globant takes Saudi Pro League into new era of sports

Omar Mugharbel, CEO of Saudi Pro League, and Federico Pienovi, CEO and CBO of new markets at Globant.
Short Url
Updated 12 May 2025
Follow

Globant takes Saudi Pro League into new era of sports

Globant, a digitally native company focused on reinventing businesses through innovative technology solutions, has partnered with Saudi Pro League to implement the cutting-edge Competition Management Solution provided by Sportian, Globant’s sports division.

With the new platform, future SPL seasons will be managed through a digital ecosystem. With the help of AI and data analysis tools, the system will speed up previously manual tasks with the ability to detect and correct human error, significantly reducing manual tasks and allowing competition staff to focus on innovation.

The Competition Management Suite enables seamless digital enrollment of players, automated registration of new signings, and real-time match day operations — including lineup submissions, referee assignments, kit selection, and compliance processes. Designed with security at its core, the system also safeguards sensitive data to protect the integrity of the competition and the privacy of all participants. 




Mamdouh Aldoubayan, managing director of MENA at Globant

“We aim to support the fast growth of our competition with technology innovations that can enhance the sporting spectacle and help clubs perform to their best. The platform provided by Globant Sportian will provide a huge boost to our efficiency and take away unnecessary complexity, allowing our teams to focus on what they do best, play and enjoy football,” said Omar Mugharbel, CEO of Saudi Pro League.

“We are proud to bring our global expertise in digital reinvention to the MENA region, where the transformation of the sports, media, and entertainment industries is happening at an unprecedented pace,” said Federico Pienovi, CEO and CBO of new markets at Globant. “Through Sportian — Globant’s sports division — we are delivering a state-of-the-art solution that will redefine how football organizations operate — managing complex processes from calendar selection to legal compliance. This is more than digital transformation; it’s about helping visionary partners like the Saudi Pro League lead a new era of intelligent, connected, and data-driven sports.”

Globant Sportian offers end-to-end digital solutions for sports federations and leagues, including LALIGA, MotoGP and Belgian Pro League, among others, delivering specialized products that manage complex workflows such as fixture scheduling, compliance, and operational intelligence.

“This milestone marks the beginning of Globant’s journey in bringing cutting-edge technology to Saudi Arabia’s thriving sports ecosystem,” said Mamdouh Aldoubayan, managing director of MENA at Globant. “By digitizing core competition workflows and leveraging AI, we’re enabling the Saudi Pro League to operate with greater speed, transparency, and precision. This partnership highlights our commitment to building smart, scalable infrastructure aligned with Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s ambitions in the global sports arena.”

This agreement reflects Globant’s continued expansion in the Middle East and its growing role as a trusted technology partner for forward-thinking sports organizations worldwide.

The Saudi Pro League is the premier football league in the Kingdom and holds the distinction of being the highest-ranked league in Asia, as recognized by the Asian Football Confederation.


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

Updated 31 December 2025
Follow

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.