Dubai, United Arab Emirates – September 23, 2026: Dubai Basketball will begin its 2026/27 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign tomorrow, Thursday, September 24, when it hosts Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid at Coca-Cola Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM UAE time, marking the start of a packed week that will see Dubai play three consecutive home games in front of its supporters.
This year’s European campaign begins against a backdrop of deep sadness in Dubai following the passing of the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who passed away on Monday. The Dubai Ruler’s Court has announced an official period of mourning in the emirate for ten days.
Dubai Basketball extends its deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and to the Al Maktoum family. May Allah Almighty grant the deceased His mercy and bless him with eternal peace.
A Rematch Just Days After Abu Dhabi Thriller
Tomorrow’s game carries added significance as Dubai Basketball and Real Madrid meet again less than a week after their thrilling encounter in the semi-finals of the inaugural EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai came within touching distance of reaching the final after a strong performance against the Spanish giants. The game ended 88-88 after regulation time before Real Madrid secured a 98-95 victory in overtime, winning by just three points.
Real Madrid went on to lift the inaugural EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup after defeating Greek side Olympiacos 93-89 in the final, arriving in Dubai with their first trophy of the season.
Pascual: Preparations Have Gone Well
Dubai Basketball head coach Xavi Pascual said preparations for the opening EuroLeague fixture had gone well, underlining the importance of starting the new campaign against one of European basketball’s leading clubs.
The availability of Dzanan Musa and Duane Washington Jr. for tomorrow’s game remains uncertain, with a final decision expected from the coaching and medical staff. Washington Jr. is still being assessed following the injury he sustained during Dubai’s participation in the EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai enters its second EuroLeague season with high ambitions after finishing its debut campaign just one position short of qualifying for the Play-In Tournament. The club also enjoyed a historic domestic achievement last season, winning the ABA League title for the first time in its history.
Fans Ready for EuroLeague Return at Coca-Cola Arena
Dubai Basketball supporters are eagerly anticipating the team’s return to Coca-Cola Arena for its home EuroLeague opener, as one of Europe’s most decorated basketball clubs comes to Dubai to face the UAE’s representative in one of the world’s premier club competitions.
The game will also mark Dubai Basketball’s first official home appearance of the new season in front of its fans at Coca-Cola Arena. The team will look to make the most of home-court advantage and the support of its passionate fanbase as it aims for a strong start against Real Madrid, following their closely contested meeting in Abu Dhabi just days ago.
The club continues to strengthen its presence within Dubai’s sporting landscape, with Dubai Basketball games at Coca-Cola Arena having attracted more than 100,000 fans since the launch of the project, highlighting the continued growth of basketball’s fanbase across the city.
A Packed Week of Basketball in Dubai
The clash with Real Madrid is only the beginning of a busy week for Dubai Basketball, with the team set to play three home games across six days in the EuroLeague and ABA League.
Following Thursday’s EuroLeague opener against Real Madrid, Dubai will host Vienna on Sunday, September 27, at Coca-Cola Arena in the opening game of its title defence in the ABA League. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM UAE time, as Dubai begins its campaign to defend the title it won for the first time last season.
European action will then return to Dubai just two days later, when the team welcomes Spanish giants FC Barcelona on Tuesday, September 29, at 8:00 PM UAE time in Round 2 of the EuroLeague. It will be the second major European fixture hosted at Coca-Cola Arena in less than a week.
The three-game home stretch promises an exceptional week of basketball for fans across Dubai, combining the opening of the EuroLeague campaign against Real Madrid, the start of Dubai’s ABA League title defence, and a high-profile European clash with Barcelona.
Dubai Basketball will look to build on its rapid growth and strengthen its presence on the European stage as it continues its journey representing Dubai and the United Arab Emirates in one of the strongest basketball competitions in the world.
