Dubai Basketball delivered a complete performance to win their EuroLeague match against FC Barcelona. Photo: EuroLeague
Dubai Basketball delivered a complete performance to win their EuroLeague match against FC Barcelona. Photo: EuroLeague
Dubai Basketball delivered a complete performance to win their EuroLeague match against FC Barcelona. Photo: EuroLeague
Dubai Basketball delivered a complete performance to win their EuroLeague match against FC Barcelona. Photo: EuroLeague

Dubai Basketball coach praises team's 'character' after beating FC Barcelona


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Dubai Basketball delivered one of their most complete performances of the EuroLeague season on Thursday night, defeating FC Barcelona 83–78 at Coca-Cola Arena.

From the opening tip, Jurica Golemac’s side imposed their will on one of Europe’s most storied clubs. The hosts focused on dominating the interior and setting the tempo, with their frontcourt pairing of Filip Petrusev and Mfiondu Kabengele combining for 13 of Dubai’s first 18 points.

Dubai’s first-half strategy was one of patience and precision. The team did not attempt a three-pointer until the final minute before the break, when McKinley Wright IV coolly drained one to extend the advantage. By that point, Dubai had already established control with 12 made shots inside the arc.

The third quarter saw the hosts continue to attack relentlessly at the rim. Petrusev was unstoppable during the period, scoring 12 points, while Dwayne Bacon repeatedly broke down defenders off the dribble to generate high-percentage opportunities. Even as Barcelona threatened to narrow the deficit, Dubai’s composure never wavered.

“On days like this, you need to show character and mental strength,” said Dubai head coach Jurica Golemac.

“We showed the IQ to make the right decisions and managed to win the game. Congratulations to the players and big thanks to the fans. They were here for us when we felt exhausted – they lifted us up.”

When the moment came to strike from deep, Davis Bertans and Klemen Prepelic provided the finishing touch. Bertans, who had struggled earlier, hit back-to-back three-pointers to ignite the crowd, while Prepelic followed with a crucial long-range effort to secure the lead.

Petrusev led all scorers with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Bacon added 20 on 8-of-10 shooting. Kabengele contributed a commanding 10-point, 13-rebound double-double as Dubai celebrated a statement victory against elite opposition.

Dubai return to action on Sunday when they host U-BT Cluj at Coca-Cola Arena.

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

Royal Birkdale Golf Course

Location: Southport, Merseyside, England

Established: 1889

Type: Private

Total holes: 18

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Tottenham 0-1 Ajax, Tuesday

Second leg

Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm

Game is on BeIN Sports

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Types of bank fraud

1) Phishing

Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.

2) Smishing

The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.

3) Vishing

The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.

4) SIM swap

Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.

5) Identity theft

Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.

6) Prize scams

Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.

GIANT REVIEW

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan

Director: Athale

Rating: 4/5

Cinco in numbers

Dh3.7 million

The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown

46

The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.

1,000

The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]

50

How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday

3,000

The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.

1.1 million

The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.

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Recent winners

2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)

2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)

2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)

2007 Grace Bijjani  (Mexico)

2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)

2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)

2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)

2011 Maria Farah (Canada)

2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)

2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)              

2014 Lia Saad  (UAE)

2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)

2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)

2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)

2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)

THE SPECS

BMW X7 xDrive 50i

Engine: 4.4-litre V8

Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic transmission

Power: 462hp

Torque: 650Nm

Price: Dh600,000

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Updated: October 17, 2025, 7:46 AM