The Dubai Racing Carnival, a hallmark of equestrian excellence, is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025 with a grand season commencing on November 7. Spanning 17 races until March 28, 2026, the event promises a blend of high-octane competition and cultural festivities. Held at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, the Carnival transcends the traditional image of horse racing, attracting a diverse audience from all walks of life. Beyond the thrill of the races, attendees can immerse themselves in a variety of entertainment options, including carnival games, food pop-ups, and interactive activities. Ticket prices are designed to be inclusive, ranging from Dh10 for general admission to Dh695 for premium private suites. The season will feature four major event days, including Festive Friday, Fashion Friday, Emirates Super Saturday, and the grand finale, the Dubai World Cup. Among the attendees is Zainab A., a 75-year-old wheelchair-bound enthusiast from Sudan, who returns for her second Carnival, accompanied by her daughter Shahad Abdullah, experiencing the event for the first time. The Dubai Racing Carnival is not just a sporting event but a celebration of community, culture, and the enduring allure of horse racing.
分类： sports
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Fifa fines, suspends UAE, Qatar team officials over misconduct, unsporting behaviour
FIFA has taken decisive action against officials from both the UAE and Qatar national teams following a contentious 2026 World Cup qualifier held on October 14, 2025. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced suspensions and fines in response to incidents of misconduct and unsporting behavior during the match. Matar Obaid Saeed Mesfer Al Dhaheri, the UAE team supervisor, received a 16-match suspension and a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately Dh45,500) for assaulting the referee and displaying unsporting behavior toward an opponent. On the other hand, Tarek Salman of Qatar was handed a two-match suspension and a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs (around Dh22,750) for serious foul play. The disciplinary measures followed a heated encounter at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, where Qatar secured a narrow 2–1 victory over the UAE, advancing to the finals. The match, which lasted 105 minutes, sparked widespread debate among fans regarding officiating decisions and game management. Many supporters took to social media to express their dissatisfaction, with some accusing the referees of allowing time-wasting and unaccounted fouls. The UAE fans, in particular, were left disheartened as their team’s World Cup qualification hopes were dashed despite a spirited performance. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining discipline and sportsmanship in high-stakes international competitions.
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How Italy promises an unforgettable Winter Olympics
With less than 100 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy is poised to host the prestigious event for the third time, marking its return to Western Europe since the 2006 Turin Games. The Milan-Cortina Games, scheduled from February 6 to 22, will span a vast region from Milan to the Dolomite Mountains, showcasing a blend of urban and alpine settings. Organizers are optimistic about delivering a memorable event, emphasizing sustainability and the use of existing infrastructure. Only two of the 13 venues are newly constructed, reflecting a commitment to minimizing environmental impact and costs. The estimated budget of $6.05 billion is significantly lower than previous Winter Olympics, highlighting Italy’s focus on efficiency. Ice sports will be held in Milan, while alpine skiing events will take place in Bormio and Cortina. The biathlon and Nordic skiing will be hosted in Anterselva and Val di Fiemme, respectively, with Livigno staging snowboarding and freestyle skiing. Despite the tight timeline, key venues such as the Olympic villages in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo have been completed. However, the Santa Giulia arena in Milan, set to host ice hockey, remains under construction and will not be tested until January, raising concerns about readiness. Organizers remain confident, with Giovanni Malago, president of the Milan-Cortina committee, stating that last-minute preparations are typical for large-scale events. Italy’s Olympic committee aims to surpass its 2022 Beijing medal tally of 17, targeting at least 19 medals. The country’s record of 20 medals, achieved at the 1994 Lillehammer Games, remains a benchmark. As Italy prepares to welcome athletes and fans, the 2026 Winter Olympics promise to be a celebration of sport, sustainability, and national pride.
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Ben Sulayem hails ‘safety for all’ as FIA, US university to combat online abuse in sport
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the University of Notre Dame to address the escalating issue of online abuse in sports. This partnership aims to create a safer and more inclusive digital environment for athletes, teams, and fans worldwide. The initiative will focus on understanding the causes, impacts, and prevention of online harassment, with a particular emphasis on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in both perpetuating and mitigating harmful content. The project will also explore how online abuse intersects with identity, mental health, and regulatory responses within sports federations. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, speaking at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, ‘Our joint goal is to foster a safer inclusive online environment for athletes, teams, and fans worldwide.’ The University of Notre Dame has also signed the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) Charter, becoming the eighth academic institution to join this global coalition. The UAOA campaign, supported by the FIA Foundation, has seen significant growth and was recently honored with the Coalition for Peace award by Peace and Sport. This expansion into the United States is particularly significant given the country’s prominent sports culture, where leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB attract millions of fans and generate substantial online engagement. The findings from this research will contribute to the UAOA Barometer report, an annual study on online abuse in sport, and will help shape practical policies for safer online spaces in the global sporting community.
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Ex-NFL star extradited to US to face shooting charge
Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown has been extradited from Dubai to the United States to face a second-degree attempted murder charge linked to a shooting incident in May. The Miami Police Department confirmed that Brown, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was located in Dubai, apprehended, and subsequently extradited to Essex County, New Jersey, by U.S. Marshals. He is currently held in Miami-Dade County Jail awaiting further legal proceedings. The charges stem from an incident in which Brown allegedly seized a gun from a security guard and fired two shots at a man he had previously been in a physical altercation with. No injuries were reported, and no arrests were made at the time. Brown, 37, was briefly detained but later released after providing his account of the events. In a social media post, Brown claimed he was attacked by multiple individuals attempting to steal his jewelry and harm him, contradicting circulating video evidence. Brown, who played a pivotal role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2021 Super Bowl victory, now faces serious legal consequences as the case unfolds.
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Quinton de Kock slams century as South Africa level series
In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock marked his triumphant return to international cricket with a stellar unbeaten century, leading his team to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second One Day International (ODI) in Faisalabad. The match, held on Thursday, saw de Kock score 123 runs off 96 balls, ensuring South Africa comfortably chased down Pakistan’s total of 269-9 with nearly 10 overs to spare. This victory leveled the three-match series at 1-1. De Kock, who had reversed his retirement decision after a two-year hiatus, showcased his class with a 153-run partnership with Tony de Zorzi (76 off 63 balls) and an 81-run stand with teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius (46). Pakistan, after winning the toss and opting to bat, struggled early at 22-3 but recovered through half-centuries from Saim Ayub (53) and Salman Ali Agha (69), supported by Mohammad Nawaz’s career-best 59. South Africa’s bowlers, Nandre Burger (4-46) and Nqaba Peter (3-55), were instrumental in restricting Pakistan. The series decider will take place on Saturday in Faisalabad.
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UAE footballer Omar Abdulrahman ‘Amoory’ announces retirement at 34
Omar Abdulrahman, affectionately known as ‘Amoory,’ one of the most celebrated footballers in UAE history, has announced his retirement at the age of 34. The Al Ain FC legend, who recently played as a midfielder for Al Wasl F.C., made the announcement on social media on Thursday, marking the end of a remarkable 17-year career. In his heartfelt message, Omar expressed gratitude for the journey, stating, ‘Today, with love and gratitude, I announce my retirement from football, after a beautiful journey that spanned years filled with challenges and achievements.’ He credited his success to hard work and the unwavering support of loyal fans and mentors. Omar made his senior debut with Al Ain Club during the 2008–09 season and went on to play 72 international matches for the UAE, contributing significantly to the team’s third-place finish in the 2015 Asian Cup. He also acknowledged the support of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of Al Ain Club, and other key figures who played pivotal roles in his career. Omar’s career included stints with Al Hilal, Al Jazira, Shabab Al Ahli, and Al Wasl, each of which he described as holding a special place in his heart. As he closes this chapter, Omar looks forward to a new journey, thanking his fans for their love and encouragement, which he described as the driving force behind his persistence and performance.
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Small-town India to cricket World champions: The women who made history
The Indian women’s cricket team recently etched their names in history by clinching their first-ever World Cup title, a monumental achievement nearly five decades after their international debut. Their journey to victory was fraught with challenges, including a three-match losing streak in the round-robin stage. However, the team showcased unparalleled resilience, overcoming both external and internal obstacles to triumph over the previously unbeaten Australia in the semi-final and a determined South African side in the final. The players’ grit and determination on the field mirrored their off-field struggles, as many hailed from modest backgrounds in India’s small towns, where their families made significant sacrifices to support their dreams. These women, who honed their skills in village lanes with second-hand equipment, defied societal norms and gender biases to forge a legacy of perseverance and success. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s emotional celebration with her father, Harmandar Singh Bhullar, underscored the profound familial support that fueled her journey from Moga, Punjab, to lifting the World Cup trophy in Mumbai. Similarly, pace-bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur’s story of her father crafting her first bat from leftover wood in his carpentry workshop highlighted the unwavering belief in her potential. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav’s ascent from a small grocery shop in Mumbai to the global stage, supported by her family’s sacrifices, further exemplified the team’s collective spirit. Fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur’s perseverance, driven by her mother’s sacrifices, culminated in a stellar performance in the final. This historic win not only celebrates their cricketing prowess but also honors the enduring spirit of their families and communities.
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‘Flying’ Sarr easing Crystal Palace’s Eze loss
Replacing a star player like Eberechi Eze was always going to be a daunting task for Crystal Palace. Eze, who left for Arsenal this summer, had been instrumental in the team’s success, including scoring the historic goal that secured Palace’s first major trophy at Wembley. However, Ismaila Sarr, the Senegalese forward, has stepped up magnificently, netting eight goals in 15 games this season. His recent double in a 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar not only marked Palace’s first home win in the Conference League but also solidified their status as title contenders. Sarr’s performance was a masterclass in attacking prowess, combining pace, precision, and intelligent runs. He hit the post early on, won a penalty, and scored twice, showcasing his composure and clinical finishing. Former Palace defender Joel Ward praised Sarr’s form, highlighting his ability to exploit spaces and create opportunities. Sarr’s contributions have been pivotal, especially after the departures of Eze and Michael Olise. Manager Oliver Glasner lauded Sarr as a key player, emphasizing his speed and finishing ability. With Palace eyeing Conference League glory, Sarr’s form could be the catalyst for their success. Glasner expressed hope that this victory is just the beginning of a memorable campaign.
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Dubai Racing Carnival returns with star power and fresh stories
The 2025-2026 Dubai Racing Carnival kicked off in grand style at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, marking the beginning of a thrilling season that culminates in the 30th anniversary of the $12 million Dubai World Cup next March. This year’s opening night, sponsored by Emirates Airline with a prize pool of Dh 1.2 million, felt like a mini-festival, showcasing a blend of star power, fresh narratives, and global racing talent.
Among the highlights was the return of Dark Saffron, the three-year-old colt who made history by winning the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen in April. Trained by Emirati handler Ahmad bin Harmash, Dark Saffron is set to compete in the Dh 210,000 Emirates Airline Conditions sprint, with ambitions for an international double in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
The event also featured a trio of Dubai’s top trainers—Doug Watson, Musabbeh Al Mheiri, and Bhupat Seemar—who are already vying for dominance in the new season. They face stiff competition from international trainers like Jamie Osborne and Julio Olascoaga, adding a cosmopolitan edge to the competition.
One of the most compelling stories of the night was the comeback of Chantal Sutherland, the trailblazing jockey who returned to racing after a life-threatening accident in 2023. Riding Kalidasa in the Emirates Airline Handicap, Sutherland’s presence added a layer of inspiration and glamour to the event.
The opening night also highlighted Dubai’s global racing appeal, with participants from Britain, Brazil, Canada, and Denmark. British trainer Jamie Osborne and Danish trainer Veronika Jandova brought their unique flair, while Brazilian jockeys Silvestre de Sousa, Sandro Paiva, and Bernardo Pinheiro added to the international excitement.
As the Dubai Racing Carnival returns bigger and better than ever, the stage is set for a season of high stakes, global stars, and the unparalleled magic of Meydan Racecourse.