‘Serious performance’: Dubai Basketball win 14th straight ABA League game

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Updated 28 January 2026
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‘Serious performance’: Dubai Basketball win 14th straight ABA League game

  • A 98-82 win over FMP at Coca-Cola Arena keeps the team at the top of the standings

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball maintained control of their ABA League campaign with a home win over Serbian club FMP, taking the Round 16 game at the Coca-Cola Arena by a score of 98-82.

The result pushed Dubai to 14-0 in the standings and kept them at the top of the table.

Dubai are the only team in the league still unbeaten, at home and away. This is the UAE-based team’s second season in the ABA League after a semi-final finish in their debut season.

Dubai Basketball head coach Jurica Golemac said of his team’s performance: “This was a serious performance and a well-deserved win. Defensively, especially in the second half, we showed the level we want to play at, and the team spirit continues to grow. The season is long, we’ve had challenges, but the character of the group is clear — we stay positive, keep building, and focus on every game.”

After being out with an injury for most of the season, one of Dubai Basketball’s biggest signings, Dzanan Musa, returned with a statement performance — the Bosnian shooting guard scored 21 points in just over 21 minutes of play. Aleksa Avramovic contributed in several areas with 13 points, six assists, and three rebounds, while also controlling tempo during key phases of the game.

Frontcourt production was another factor in Dubai’s consistency. Mfiondu Kabengele added 16 points, and Kenan Kamenjas finished with 13 points and seven rebounds. Dubai spread scoring responsibility and avoided prolonged scoring droughts throughout the contest.

FMP was led by Filip Barna with 21 points and six rebounds, with additional scoring from Scott, Stefanovic, Stanojevic, and Gasic. Despite balanced individual efforts, the visitors were unable to match Dubai’s efficiency.

Combined with control of key moments in the second and fourth quarters, that efficiency ensured another composed and convincing home win for Dubai Basketball.

The team head to their next game at Belgrade Arena against Red Star for EuroLeague Round 25.


Saudi cultural identity on show at Winter Olympics fashion showcase

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Saudi cultural identity on show at Winter Olympics fashion showcase

  • Skier Rakan Alireza represents the Kingdom at event in Milan, modeling bespoke design by renowned Saudi fashion designer Alya Al-Salmi
  • 17 National Olympic Committees participate in showcase and Saudis are sole representatives of the Arab world

MILAN: Ahead of the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, cross-country skier Rakan Alireza represented Team Saudi at an Olympic Winter Games Fashion Showcase hosted by the International Olympic Committee in Milan this week.
He modeled a bespoke design by renowned Saudi fashion designer Alya Al-Salmi at the event on Wednesday, which took place at Clubhouse 26, the official hospitality venue for the Games.
Seventeen National Olympic Committees participated in the showcase and the Saudis were the sole representatives of the Arab world.
The design of Alireza’s outfit was described as drawing inspiration from Saudi heritage, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens that seamlessly blends tradition with modern elegance, offering a visual narrative of national identity presented within an international context.
Regarded as one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent fashion designers, Al-Salmi also created the outfits worn by team Saudi at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The opening ceremony for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games is on Friday.