Alexxanderr wins gold as Global Champions Arabians Tour concludes fifth stage in Cannes

Alexxanderr claimed Gold in Cannes for Al-Mirqab Farm. (Supplied)
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Updated 16 June 2025
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Alexxanderr wins gold as Global Champions Arabians Tour concludes fifth stage in Cannes

  • Focus now on Netherlands as competitors eye World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme in Doha

CANNES: The 2025 Cannes edition of the Global Champions Arabians Tour came to a close on Sunday with Alexxanderr, owned by Al-Mirqab Farm, taking home the prestigious Senior Stallion Gold Championship title.

Held at the Stade de Hesperides, the fifth stage of the tour and first European stop offered a blend of world-class Arabian horse competition, cultural experiences, and Riviera glamour.

A high-profile crowd of horse owners, celebrities, influencers, partners, and members of the public attended the event over three days.

Bader Al-Darwish, the CEO of the Global Champions Arabians Tour, said: “Cannes has once again proven to be a spectacular stage for our tour.

“This event reflects everything we stand for — excellence, integrity, and the celebration of Arabian horse heritage.

“Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their remarkable performances. We are honored to bring this experience to such a stunning destination and grateful for the support of our partners who made it possible.”

With $1.63 million in prize money awarded across all classes, the Cannes stage once again cemented its position as a highlight of the GCAT calendar. The results will contribute to the overall tour rankings, bringing competitors closer to the prestigious Leading Male, Leading Female, and Top Handler titles.

The competitors were challenging for a chance to qualify for the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme, which is set to take place in December in Doha.

Meanwhile, the tour continues to its sixth destination in the Europe and Middle East Series at Valkenswaard in the Netherlands from July 18-20.


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.”