History is in the making as Dubai welcomes the greatest two-day pure brutal combat event BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) powered by World League of Fighters in association with Dubai Sports council scheduled for April 4th and April 5th at the prestigious Dubai Duty Free Stadium. The event promises to be a spectacular showcase of combat action entertainment as 44 top world fighters would participate in an intense battle while vying for the title contender.
Professional Mixed Martial legend Conor McGregor is also scheduled to make a surprise appearance adding star power to an already spectacular lineup, although his role is kept in wraps. VIP Ticket holders would also have exclusive access to meet and greet sessions with fighters and legends of the sport during the tenure of the event
David Feldman Founder of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship shares how he finds the event to be the biggest boost for the fastest growing sport in the world. He shares, “We’re bringing raw intensity and pure athleticism of bare knuckle fighting to one of world’s most dynamic sporting destinations which is Dubai. The response from the fighting community and fans has been overwhelming, and we’re proud to showcase our sport at this level.” The BKFC Dubai edition presents an electrifying lineup of international fighters on Day 1, featuring intense matchups across multiple weight categories. In the Bantamweight division (135 lbs), Ruel Panales from Philippines will face Ali Elkhatib from Egypt, while Lucas Sontgen (Germany) takes on Elnur Suleymanov (Azerbaijan) in the 170 lbs category. The Lightweights will see Islam Sizbulatov (Austria) battling Cheng Leang (Cambodia) at 155 lbs, and Murat Kazgan (Turkey) challenging Leandro Martins (Brazil). Cruiserweights and Middleweights will showcase global talent with Jaskaran Singh (India) versus Mohamed Ali (Egypt/Dubai) in the 265 lbs category, and Marcus Pond (UK) facing Mladen Iliev (Bulgaria) in the 175 lbs Middleweights. The headline bout features Austin Trout versus Carlos Trinidad in the 165 lb Welterweights Category, while Sabah Homasi (Lebanese Descent/USA) will square off against Jonny Tello (Canada/Thailand) in the 175 Middleweights. Day 2 promises equally thrilling contests across diverse weight classes. The Heavyweights (265 lbs) will feature Mehdi Barghi (Iran) versus Ricardo Bachir (Lebanon) and Guto Inocente (Brazil) against Hassan Yousefi (Iran). Bantamweight competitors include Mohd Azahar (India) versus Muhammad Bilal (Pakistan), while the Featherweights (145 lbs) will see exciting matches with Shamil Dzhakhbarov (Russia) facing Dilshat Nurym (Kazakhstan), and multiple international fighters like Dan Chapman (UK), Brandon Allen (USA), Hannah Rankin (UK), Jessica Borga (USA), Kai Stewart (USA), and Tommy Strydom (South Africa). The Middleweight division will feature Aaron Chalmers (UK) against Chasa Symonds, while the Cruiserweight showdown will see Welsh MMA fighter John Phillips face Brazilian veteran Fabio Maldonado in the 205 lbs category. Maldonado, known for his standout performances in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions from 2009-2016, will battle Phillips, a tough competitor with a strong middleweight legacy from 2018-2020. Both fighters will bring their striking prowess to this exciting bare-knuckle clash in Dubai. The Welterweights division will pit Vladislav Tuinov (Russia) against Adel Al Tamimi (USA/Iraq), while Matin Safari (Iran) will face Mark Angel Sadang (Philippines) in the Lightweights category.
Sharing excitement on BKFC’s debut in Dubai, emphasizing the significance of the event for both the sport and the city Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew Co – Founders of World League of Fighters share, “Dubai has always been a global hub for world-class sporting events, and we are excited to welcome the Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) for its debut here. This event isn’t just about the fights; it’s about creating a one-of-a-kind experience for fans and highlighting the technical mastery that defines bare-knuckle fighting.” The Dubai Sports Council also expressing their support for this ground breaking event shares, “Hosting Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship aligns perfectly with Dubai’s vision of Dubai becoming the world’s premier destination for combat sports. This event is precedented to provide local sports combat enthusiasts with an advanced opportunity to witness this unique discipline at the highest level.” Tickets for this historic event will start at AED 399, with premium VIP packages available. The venue selection ensures an intimate viewing experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety and comfort for athletes and viewers. Also, in an exclusive development the event has attracted the radio partnerships of Channel 4(British Channel), Al Arabia (Dubai)and Volna radio (Russian language radio) for broadcasting in the Emirates.
Work on the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport is progressing on schedule, with Phase 1 expected to commence operations in 2032, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, , has announced.
In a post on social media platform X, Sheikh Hamdan said the project has recorded more than 10 million work hours over the past 15 months, reflecting steady progress across key construction phases.
Work on the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion continues according to the approved timeline, with Phase 1 scheduled to begin operations in 2032. Contracts worth AED13 billion are currently being executed, and more than 10 million work hours have been completed over the… pic.twitter.com/CAfe2TGsxo
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) June 15, 2026
He noted that contracts worth AED 13 billion are currently under execution, while additional contracts valued at AED 55 billion are expected to be awarded in the coming months as part of the expansion programme.
Once completed, the airport is designed to handle more than 250 million passengers annually, reinforcing Dubai’s long-term strategy to strengthen aviation capacity and support economic growth.
“Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s major projects continue to advance with steady progress and confidence,” Sheikh Hamdan added.
Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced free public parking and a revised public transport schedule for the Hijri New Year 1448 holiday on Monday June 15.
Public parking across Dubai, except for multi-storey parking facilities will be free with parking fees will resume on Tuesday June 16.
All RTA Customer Happiness Centres will be closed on Monday, but customers will still be able to access services through the Customer Happiness Centre in Umm Ramool and Smart Kiosks located in Deira, Al Barsha, Al Tawar, Al Kifaf and the RTA Headquarters.
#RTA has outlined the operating hours for its services during the Hijri New Year 1448 public holiday, covering Customer Happiness Centres, Paid Public Parking, Public Buses, Dubai Metro and Tram, Marine Transport, and Service Provider Centres (Vehicle Testing).
Dubai Metro services on both the Red and Green Lines will run from 5am until midnight on Monday while Dubai Tram services will operate from 6am until 1am the following day.
Passengers using public buses are advised to check the S’hail app for updated holiday schedules.
The RTA also announced that Bus Route E100, which normally operates between Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and Abu Dhabi, will be suspended from June 13 to 15. Passengers heading to Abu Dhabi during this period can use Route E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station instead.
Marine transport services will be unaffected during this period.
Shares in Elon Musk’s aerospace and technology company SpaceX have surged on their trading debut in New York, in what is being described as the largest initial public offering in history.
The stock climbed as much as 30% in early trading on the Nasdaq, pushing the company’s valuation above $2 trillion and briefly placing it among the most valuable firms in the United States.
The listing, which raised more than $75bn, marks a dramatic milestone for the firm founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, who has become one of the most influential—and divisive—figures in global technology.
Speaking at a launch event in Texas, Mr Musk said the company’s ambitions extended far beyond Earth. “SpaceX wants to be able to take you to the Moon, take you to Mars, and ultimately beyond,” he said, adding that its teams would “make that happen” for customers.
The billionaire entrepreneur—Elon Musk—has reportedly become the world’s first trillionaire following the surge, according to market estimates cited in the offering’s early trading performance.
The IPO priced more than 555 million shares at $135 each, valuing the company at just under $1.8 trillion ahead of its market debut. Within hours of trading, prices peaked at around $175 per share.
The listing also allows for the potential sale of an additional 83 million shares, which could lift total proceeds beyond $86bn.
Investor demand was reported to be heavily oversubscribed, reflecting strong interest in both space exploration and the company’s expanding role in satellite communications and artificial intelligence.
SpaceX has increasingly evolved from a rocket launch provider into a broader technology conglomerate, incorporating satellite operations and artificial intelligence assets linked to Mr Musk’s wider business portfolio.
Market analysts say the listing is being closely watched as a potential benchmark for other high-profile technology firms, including artificial intelligence companies expected to pursue public offerings in the coming months.
The debut also comes against the backdrop of Mr Musk’s increasingly polarising public profile, shaped by his political commentary, business decisions, and ownership of social media platform X.
Despite the controversy, investor appetite for the company appears undiminished, with strong early demand signalling continued enthusiasm for Musk-led ventures.
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