Connect with us

Events

Global Combat Sports Gets a New Face as World League of Fighters Takes Over Dubai

Published

on

Spread the love

Dubai became the epicentre of combat sports as the World League of Fighters (WLF), in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, successfully staged BKFC 71 & 72 at the iconic Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on April 4th and 5th. In a seismic shift that’s redefining the future of fighting, WLF co-founders Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew brought the world’s fastest-growing combat sport to the heart of the Middle East, a region already surging with investments in Boxing, MMA and more.

The historic back-to-back events on April 4th and 5th lit up Dubai with 44 world-class fighters, delivering two nights of raw, high-octane action that left fans on the edge of their seats. By introducing BKFC to the region, WLF has not only elevated Dubai’s reputation as a premier destination for elite sports but also carved out a new frontier for bare-knuckle fighting on the global stage.

Co-Founders of World League of Fighters Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew sharing excitement on the successful hosting of the BKFC 71 & 72 Event shares, “Dubai has long served as a global center for premier combat events, and we aim to bring BKFC back to the UAE again. Beyond providing fans with an unforgettable experience, BKFC 71& 72 events demonstrated the fast paced entertainment of Bare knuckle fighting while establishing Middle East as the premier combat sports venue.”

While sports like Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu have gained enormous popularity, the market’s enthusiastic reception to bare-knuckle fighting surpassed all expectations. This success validates World League of Fighters’ vision, that combat sports fans desire diversity and authenticity in fighting disciplines.

Adding on the potential of inviting more successful chapters of BKFC in the region, Co-Founders Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew also stated, “This was never just about one event. This was about creating a new legacy for combat sports on the global stage with World League of Fighters leading the way. With the support of the Dubai Sports Council, David Feldman, and icons like Conor McGregor, we’ve brought something truly historic to life. The response has been overwhelming, and this is only the beginning of our journey in the Emirates.”

In a moment that electrified the global fight community, Conor McGregor the face of modern combat sports arrived with an entourage of 20 aboard his private jet to witness the spectacle firsthand, further validating World League of Fighters’ growing influence in the combat sports world.

“This is a movement. A revolution. A new home for the fight world,” declared Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew of World League f Fighters.

 “With World League of Fighters at the helm, we’re writing combat sports history in the sands of Dubai. The gloves are off. The desert is alive. And the future is bare-knuckle.” Added co-founders Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew

The UAE has already embraced MMA and boxing at the highest levels, and World League of Fighters has successfully positioned BKFC within that combat sports ecosystem while bringing something uniquely exciting to the market. With its successful debut, WLF has confirmed that Chapter 2 of BKFC in Dubai will return in November 2025, with official dates to be revealed soon.

Business

Dubai to host ‘Billionaires for Peaceconclave as global movement calls for values-driven leadership

Published

on

Spread the love

As geopolitical tensions and conflicts intensify across the world, a growing global initiative is calling for renewed focus on peace, dialogue and shared human values.

The I Am Peacekeeper Movement is stepping up efforts ahead of the upcoming Billionaires for Peace Conclave, scheduled to take place in Dubai this May.

Founded by humanitarian leader Huzaifa Khorakiwala, the movement promotes seven core values — truth, gratitude, forgiveness, love, humility, giving and patience — as the foundation for inner harmony and lasting global peace.

“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It is a shared responsibility rooted in how we live, act and lead,” Khorakiwala said. “In a world facing unprecedented challenges, aligning our values with our actions is more important than ever.”

Global movement for peace

Launched in Dubai, the I Am Peacekeeper Movement aims to unite individuals, institutions and communities under a shared mission of harmony and mutual understanding.

The initiative has rapidly expanded into a global platform engaging millions of advocates worldwide through digital campaigns, grassroots networks and international events.

Organisers say the upcoming Billionaires for Peace Conclave will bring together influential leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers to explore ways to advance peace-building, ethical leadership and global cooperation.

Building on a global peace summit

The initiative builds on the momentum generated by the Global Justice Love & Peace Summit held in April last year.

The summit brought together 10 Nobel Peace Laureates on a single stage and concluded with the release of a Peace Charter encouraging global solidarity, dialogue and values-driven leadership.

Organisers say the movement’s focus on “lived values” aligns closely with the UAE’s longstanding commitment to tolerance, coexistence and cross-cultural dialogue.

With Dubai hosting the upcoming conclave, supporters hope the city will once again serve as a global platform for conversations on peace and shared human responsibility.

About the movement

The I Am Peacekeeper Movement is a global initiative founded by Dr Huzaifa Khorakiwala to promote universal peace through core human values. Launched in Dubai, the movement engages communities worldwide through advocacy, education and international events such as the Global Justice Love & Peace Summit and the Billionaires for Peace Conclave.

More information is available at: www.i-am-peacekeeper.com

Continue Reading

Events

Free parking on New Year’s Day? Here’s what Dubai drivers and commuters need to know

Published

on

Spread the love

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed free public parking on Thursday, January 1, 2026, giving residents a small but welcome New Year bonus. The exemption applies to all public parking zones, except multi-storey parking facilities and Al Khail Gate (N-365). Regular parking fees will resume on Friday, January 2.

Alongside free parking, the RTA has released a full breakdown of transport and service timings for the New Year holiday, urging residents and visitors to plan and rely on public transport where possible.

Dubai Metro and Tram timings

To manage heavy holiday crowds, Dubai Metro services on both the Red and Green Lines will run non-stop for nearly 43 hours. Trains will operate continuously from 5am on Wednesday, December 31, until 11.59pm on Thursday, January 1.

The Dubai Tram will also extend its operating hours, running from 6am on December 31 through to 1am on Friday, January 2, making it easier for commuters and revellers to move around popular areas.

Bus services and intercity routes

Dubai bus schedules will vary during the holiday, and passengers are advised to check the S’hail app for real-time updates.

For those travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, there are important changes:

  • Route E100 (Al Ghubaiba–Abu Dhabi) will be suspended from the afternoon of December 31 until January 4, 2026
  • The last trip will depart at 12 noon from Abu Dhabi and 2pm from Al Ghubaiba
  • Passengers should instead use Route E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station
  • Route E102 will continue operating from Ibn Battuta from 2pm on December 31 until the end of the day

RTA services and testing centres

All Customer Happiness Centres and vehicle testing centres will be closed on January 1, reopening on January 2. However, Smart Customer Happiness Centres at Al Barsha, Al Twar, Al Kifaf and RTA headquarters will remain open 24/7.

Marine transport

Timings for abras, ferries and water taxis will be available on the RTA website, with services adjusted to meet New Year demand.

With free parking, extended metro hours and special bus arrangements in place, the RTA is encouraging everyone to plan and enjoy a smooth start to 2026.


Continue Reading

Events

Big football news: Dubai is hosting the 2026 FIFA Best Awards

Published

on

Spread the love

Dubai is adding another major global sporting milestone to its calendar. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA Best Awards will be held in the emirate, with the announcement made during his appearance at the World Sports Summit currently taking place in Dubai.

Infantino revealed the news while delivering a keynote titled ‘The Next 90 Minutes: Charting the On-Pitch Evolution of Football’, where he outlined FIFA’s future vision for the global game and spotlighted Dubai as the next host city for one of football’s most prestigious nights.

What are the FIFA Best Awards?

The FIFA Best Awards are among the highest honours in world football, recognising standout performances across men’s and women’s football. Categories include Best Player, Best Coach, and Best Team, with winners decided through a global voting system involving fans, journalists, national team captains and coaches.

The most recent edition took place in Doha, Qatar, where Ousmane Dembélé walked away with the Best Player award after a sensational season with Paris Saint-Germain that ended in a historic treble.

A star-packed week in Dubai

The announcement comes as Dubai hosts the two-day World Sports Summit at Madinat Jumeirah, bringing together some of the biggest names in global sport.

Monday’s lineup featured icons such as Novak Djokovic, Ronaldo Nazário, Manny Pacquiao, and heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Tuesday raises the bar even higher with football royalty including Alessandro Del Piero, Roberto Baggio, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Fabio Cannavaro, and World Cup-winning coach Didier Deschamps. MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is also among the headline names.

The summit is also shining a spotlight on women in sport, with speakers including Ons Jabeur, former NBA player Tamika Tremaglio, and Danita Johnson, president of D United.

Why this matters for Dubai

Landing the 2026 FIFA Best Awards further cements Dubai’s status as a global sports hub, adding yet another elite international ceremony to its growing list of major events. From football and tennis to combat sports and motorsport, Dubai continues to position itself at the centre of the global sporting conversation.

And in 2026, football’s biggest stars will be heading to the emirate — not for a match, but for the game’s most glamorous night of the year.

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/