Latest Abu Dhabi News
Mixed martial arts investment latest example of Saudi Arabia's foray into global sports
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Saudi Arabia's most recent venture into the global sports scene — purchasing a stake in the Professional Fighters League — is yet another example of the oil-rich kingdom using athletics to increase its influence. The purchase was relatively modest — $100...
The long road winding down at the World Cup, where semifinals await Team USA
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — This seemed so far away in the beginning. There was a week of training camp in Las Vegas for USA Basketball to get through, then a week in Spain, then a week in Abu Dhabi, the group stage of the World Cup, then the second round, then the quarterfinals. They’ve flown...
To prepare for World Cup, USA Basketball brought some help for practices
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Among the prized possessions that John Jenkins has collected in his career: a handwritten letter from former USA Basketball coach Gregg Popovich for his role on the Tokyo Olympic team, and a gold medal from those games. His medal is a replica....
In Abu Dhabi, the footprint and popularity of basketball continues to grow
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — There is no real history of world-class, elite basketball success in the United Arab Emirates. The nation has never qualified for the Basketball World Cup, never reached the courts at the Olympics, never sent a player to the NBA. Doesn’t...
Getting used to some rule differences is part of the World Cup learning process for USA Basketball
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — There were 1.4 seconds left in the first half of USA Basketball’s first exhibition game of its pre-World Cup tour this summer, with the Americans taking the ball out on the far end of the floor. U.S. coach Steve Kerr signaled for a quick inbounds pass and...
Germany's foreign minister delayed in Abu Dhabi after technical problem forces plane to turn back
BERLIN (AP) — Germany's foreign minister had to spend hours waiting in Abu Dhabi on Monday after a technical problem on her government plane — the latest in a succession of such incidents — forced it to return to the airport in the Emirati capital rather than continue to Australia. ...
UAE state oil firm moves up net zero climate target to 2045
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A state-run oil giant in the United Arab Emirates said Monday it has moved up its target for achieving net zero emissions in its operations to 2045, as the country prepares to host U.N. climate talks later this year. The Abu Dhabi National Oil...
Poirier, Gaethje prepared for possible brutal rematch at UFC 291
Dustin Poirier said early this week that if Saturday's headline bout at UFC 291 goes the five-round distance, both fighters might wind up in the hospital. His opponent, Justin Gaethje, didn't disagree. “We both create a lot of damage, and 25 minutes is a long time to...
Saudi Arabia is spending billions to become a global gaming hub. Some fans don't want to play
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia, the new home of some of soccer’s biggest stars and a co-owner of professional golf, is proving to be no less ambitious when it comes to another global pastime – the $180 billion-a-year video game industry. Last September, the...
Climate talks chief urges oil producing states to slash emissions
The president of this year's United Nations' climate talks urged the oil and gas industry Thursday to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by or before 2050 in a speech to oil producing states. Speaking at a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in...
