DUBAI: Dubai Basketball has secured the signing of Lebanese star Wael Arakji for the 2024/25 ABA League season, sending ripples through the region’s basketball community.
The 30-year-old, affectionately known as "The Fearsome," is one of the Middle East’s brightest basketball talents and joins the team as they aim to solidify their position in the playoffs during their inaugural season.
Arakji’s reputation as a high scorer and a dynamic presence on the court precedes him. Over the years, he has built an impressive resume that includes multiple championships in Lebanon, Qatar, and Tunisia, as well as stints in the NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks and a successful run in China. He has also earned two FIBA Asia Champions Cup medals, the highest honour in Asian club basketball.
The Lebanese basketball icon’s accolades are not confined to club basketball alone. Arakji led Lebanon to victory in the 2022 Arab Basketball Championship and was named MVP of the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup, where he averaged an astonishing 26 points per game, further cementing his status as one of Asia's premier players.
A fearsome addition to Dubai’s roster
Arakji is set to make his much-anticipated debut for Dubai Basketball in their upcoming match against Mornar on Sunday, December 15, at Coca-Cola Arena. The timing of this addition couldn’t be more crucial, as Dubai Basketball—currently sitting with an 8-3 record—looks to finish the season strong and secure a spot in the playoffs.
Dubai Basketball Head Coach, Jurica Golemac, expressed confidence in Arakji’s ability to make an immediate impact. “Wael brings valuable experience and offensive skills to our team. While he’ll need some time to adapt to the league and our system, his talent is undeniable,” Golemac said. “We’re confident he’ll demonstrate to the world that regional basketball is on the rise and serve as an outstanding representative of GCC basketball.”
A global Basketball journey
Arakji’s journey to Dubai Basketball has taken him across the globe. From winning titles in Lebanon and Tunisia to competing in China and the NBA Summer League, his path has been marked by international success. His diverse experience will prove invaluable as he joins a team that is still building its identity in the competitive ABA League.
“I am incredibly excited to join Dubai Basketball and be a part of this inaugural season,” said Arakji. “Something very special is being built here, and that will only go from strength to strength in the future. As professionals, we live to play at the highest levels, and that’s what you get here at Dubai Basketball.”
Dubai Basketball: A winning legacy
Dubai Basketball was founded in 2023 by UAE businessman Abdulla Saeed Al Naboodah and has quickly emerged as a promising force in the ABA League. With players from across eight different countries, including the Philippines, USA, and Serbia, the team’s roster is a true reflection of global talent. The club plays its home games at the Coca-Cola Arena, a venue that Arakji is particularly excited about.
“I’m looking forward to playing in front of many of my compatriots at Coca-Cola Arena,” Arakji shared. “There is a hugely passionate Lebanese basketball community in Dubai, and I know they are making their voices heard by creating an amazing atmosphere every time we step on the court. It will be an awesome feeling to perform for them.”
Local Pride at Coca-Cola Arena
Dubai Basketball’s debut season is an exciting milestone for the team, which is already seeing a rising fan base. As Arakji joins forces with an already-talented squad, the team’s playoff ambitions are within reach, and the potential for success looks bright. The franchise's dedication to growing the sport in the UAE and the wider GCC region is evident, and with stars like Arakji on the roster, the future of Dubai Basketball has never looked more promising.
Fans can witness Arakji's debut when Dubai Basketball faces Mornar on December 15 at Coca-Cola Arena. Tickets for the game are available through the team's official website.