The Arab Classic Tournament marks a historic milestone for the Middle East, bringing competitive baseball to Dubai for the first time. This groundbreaking event, scheduled from November 7th to 10th, 2024 at Dubai’s renowned Sevens Stadium, will witness the fierce rivalry of eight national teams, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Palestine, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Organized by Baseball United in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), Department of Economy & Tourism, and the Emirates Cricket Board, the Arab Classic promises to be a spectacle, setting the foundation for baseball’s expansion in the region.
A New Era for Baseball in the Middle East
The Arab Classic Tournament is not just another sporting event; it’s a testament to Dubai’s growing position as a global hub for international sports. Mr. Ali Omar Al-Baloushi, Mr. Yacoub Mohammed, and Mr. Kash Sheikh introduced the event at a press conference hosted by the Dubai Sports Council. These leaders, representing various sports and community initiatives in Dubai, emphasized the cultural and athletic significance of bringing baseball to the Arab world. The event gained even more traction with the attendance of Mariano Rivera, the legendary New York Yankees player and five-time world champion.
Tournament Schedule: Exciting Matchups Await
The Arab Classic kicks off with thrilling matches that promise to captivate baseball fans across the region. Below is the complete schedule for the tournament:
Thursday, November 7th, 2024
Morning Session
- Afghanistan vs. India: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
- Bangladesh vs. Pakistan: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
- India vs. UAE: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Evening Session
- Sri Lanka vs. Saudi Arabia: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
- Nepal vs. Palestine: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- UAE vs. Pakistan: 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Friday, November 8th, 2024
Morning Session
- Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
- Saudi Arabia vs. Nepal: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Afghanistan vs. UAE: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Evening Session
- Palestine vs. Sri Lanka: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Pakistan vs. India: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, November 9th, 2024
Morning Session
- Nepal vs. Sri Lanka: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
- UAE vs. Bangladesh: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Pakistan vs. Afghanistan: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Evening Session
- Saudi Arabia vs. Palestine: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- India vs. Bangladesh: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday, November 10th, 2024
Knockout Rounds
- Quarter Final 1: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
- Quarter Final 2: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Semi Final 1: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Semi Final 2: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Final Match: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Venue: A First-of-its-Kind Baseball Stadium in the Middle East
To host the Arab Classic, Dubai has constructed a unique baseball stadium—the first of its kind in the Middle East. This facility is not only prepared to host the Arab Classic but will also serve as the stage for future baseball events in the region. Notably, the stadium will welcome the Baseball United Cup from February 22nd to March 1st, 2025. Teams like the Mumbai Cobras, Karachi Monarchs, Mid East Falcons, and Emirati Arabia Wolves will engage in a series of nine thrilling matches. Later in 2025, the Baseball United League, scheduled from October 23rd to November 23rd, will offer even more baseball excitement with 33 games featuring five regional teams.
Baseball’s Growing Popularity in the Middle East
The arrival of baseball in Dubai highlights the sport’s growing appeal in the Middle East, with Dubai’s Dubai Sports Council and Baseball United driving efforts to foster a strong baseball culture. By organizing and investing in state-of-the-art facilities, these organizations aim to cultivate a new generation of players and fans. The support for baseball aligns with Dubai’s broader ambition to diversify sports offerings and boost sports tourism.
Arab Classic Highlights: Must-Watch Games
Fans should keep an eye out for pivotal matches that could determine the course of the tournament. UAE’s debut game against India on November 7th at 1:00 pm will set the tone for the UAE team’s performance. Additionally, Afghanistan vs. India, the tournament opener at 8:00 am on November 7th, promises a high-energy start, while Pakistan vs. India at 8:00 pm on November 8th is anticipated to be a high-stakes, crowd-pleasing event.
Arab Classic’s Potential Impact on Regional Sports Development
The Arab Classic is expected to have far-reaching effects on sports development in the Middle East. Dubai’s investment in baseball aligns with its strategic objectives of enhancing the city’s profile as an international sports hub. As baseball gains popularity in the region, local talent will have the opportunity to compete on an international level, paving the way for a vibrant baseball community.
Economic and Cultural Impact
By attracting tourists and boosting local businesses, the tournament will contribute to Dubai’s economy. With thousands of spectators expected, the local hospitality and tourism sectors are likely to see an increase in activity, aligning with Dubai’s goals for economic diversification.
Future Prospects: Baseball in Dubai Beyond 2024
The Arab Classic is only the beginning. Following the tournament, the new stadium will host the Baseball United League, which is expected to become a yearly fixture. With five teams competing over 33 matches, the League will conclude with the United Series, a three-game showdown to crown the champion. The creation of a regional baseball league solidifies Dubai’s commitment to nurturing baseball culture and offers a sustained platform for athletes and fans alike.
Final Thoughts
The Arab Classic Tournament is an event not to be missed, marking a transformative moment for sports in the Middle East. This inaugural tournament will bring fans, players, and cultures together, celebrating the spirit of competition and unity through baseball. Be part of history from November 7th to 10th, 2024, at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai.
