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

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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.

Events

Arab Media Summit opens in Dubai, uniting top editors, leaders, and industry experts from region

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The Arab Media Summit (AMS) 2025, the region’s largest and most influential media gathering, officially opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, drawing over 8,000 media professionals from across the UAE and the Arab world.

The Summit opened with the Youth Media Forum, setting the stage for a three-day exchange of ideas, innovation, and collaboration among some of the most powerful voices in the media landscape.

Running until May 28, the high-profile event brings together:

  • Ministers and government officials
  • Editors-in-chief and media executives
  • Content creators and influencers
  • Media tech experts and academics

The Summit aims to chart the future of Arab media, with an emphasis on innovation, youth engagement, and regional collaboration.

“The Arab Media Summit isn’t just a conference — it’s where the future of regional storytelling is shaped,” said one of the forum speakers.

This year’s programme includes:

  • Over 175 sessions and 35 expert-led workshops
  • Participation from more than 300 speakers
  • Delegates and speakers from 26 countries

The opening day also celebrated the Ibda’a, Arab Youth Media Award, spotlighting emerging media talent and encouraging creativity among the next generation of Arab storytellers.

With leading global media organisations and digital platforms on the agenda, AMS 2025 serves as a vital hub for discussing media development, digital transformation, and policy in the Arab world.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, Dubai once again positions itself at the heart of regional dialogue, not just as a host city, but as a driving force for Arab media’s future.

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Business

Robots, AI and future tech take centre stage at BEYOND Expo 2025 in Macau

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The world of future tech is on full display at the 5th BEYOND Expo 2025, now open at The Venetian Macau’s Cotai Expo. Over 800 companies from across Asia have gathered to showcase the region’s most exciting innovations in robotics, AI, clean energy, health tech and more, all under the theme “Empowering Asia, Connecting the World.”

From robot assistants and flying vehicles to human-centric AI and sustainable tech, the event is drawing major attention from business leaders, investors, and tech enthusiasts from around the globe, including the UAE.

The three-day expo kicked off with a powerful message about international cooperation. Key speakers included Indonesia’s Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun, who promoted Southeast Asia’s growing investment opportunities, and Takeo Kawamura, Japan’s former Chief Cabinet Secretary, who emphasised the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in tech development.

A Spotlight on Innovation

Visitors are treated to hands-on demos of futuristic products, from AI-driven health solutions to electric flying vehicles like the Xpeng AEROHT. Across every exhibition zone, the focus is on technology that puts people first while tackling global challenges like climate change and health care.

Global Conversations and Regional Impact

Panel discussions include everything from green building and medical technology to Middle East–Asia cooperation, giving UAE-based innovators and investors plenty of opportunities to plug into Asia’s rapidly expanding tech ecosystem.

The Middle East–Asia Forum, in particular, opens new doors for UAE entrepreneurs interested in building partnerships and exploring tech solutions designed for both regions.

Panel sessions also included BGlobal Summit; Japan Tech Forum, Asia-Europe Tech Forum; International Industrial Design Forum; Founder Talk; Demo session; ORIGIN Southeast Asia Tech Forum; and SheTech Summit.

Celebrating Game-Changers

This year’s BEYOND Awards recognised 25 standout companies for their work in innovation, sustainability, and social impact. Awards such as the BEYOND Impact Awards, Gen Z Innovators, and Healthy Living Product Awards spotlighted bold ideas and bright minds from across the continent.

BEYOND Expo co-founders Jason Ho and Dr. Lu Gang presented BEYOND Best Choice awards to 25 companies.

Since 2021, BEYOND has received over 1,500 nominations, becoming one of the most respected platforms for recognising tech excellence in Asia. Out of this, more than 200 innovative pioneers have been included in the list.

Visit BEYOND Expo 2025

BEYOND Expo is hosted at the massive Cotai Expo at The Venetian Macau, one of Asia’s top event venues, offering over 71,000 square metres of exhibition space. It’s part of the Sands Resorts Macau, which features luxury hotels, high-end shopping, and world-class dining, perfect for visitors mixing business with leisure.

Want to explore the future of tech?
BEYOND Expo 2025 runs this week and is open to industry professionals, startups, and anyone interested in the world of smart innovation.

For more information or to see the full list of exhibitors, visit: www.beyondexpo.com

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Announcements

UAE Contingent set to Reclaim Royal Windsor Endurance honours

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Some of the UAE’s top endurance athletes have joined forces to form a formidable 31-rider contingent aiming to reclaim top honours at the Royal Windsor Endurance 2025 on Friday, 16 May.

Taking place in Windsor Great Park in the United Kingdom, the FEI-endorsed event features 3*, 2*, and 1* rides, attracting an international field of riders, horses, trainers, grooms, and support teams. The CEI3* ride is the longest and most demanding, covering a 160 km course split into five phases. Meanwhile, the CEI2* and CEI1* events span four-phase 120 km and three-phase 100 km routes, respectively. The endurance challenge forms part of the broader Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Emirati riders have historically excelled at this event, winning six of the eleven editions since its inception in 2013 — more than any other nation. Past champions include His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Defence, who led the UAE to victory in 2014 following Rashed Mohammed Al Baloushi’s triumph in the inaugural event.

Saif Al Mazrouei clinched victory in 2016 when the competition was staged as a CEI2* over 120 km and returns this year aiming to top the podium once more. Fellow Emiratis Saeed Hamoud Al Khayari and Ghanim Said Al Owaisi claimed wins in the 2017 and 2019 editions, respectively, while Fares Ahmad Al Mansoori led a historic clean sweep in 2023, with the UAE winning all three rides.

This year, Al Mazrouei, Al Khayari, and Al Mansoori form part of the UAE contingent seeking to halt the momentum of four-time champions and current title-holders, Bahrain.

Commenting on the occasion, Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Equestrian Club, said:

“It is with great pride that we announce the UAE Team’s participation in Royal Windsor Endurance. Our riders have demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and unity in preparing for this prestigious event. I am confident that our team will represent the country with honour and distinction, embodying the spirit of endurance, excellence, and sportsmanship at every stage of the competition.

Thanks to the continued support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the sport of endurance has made significant strides both locally and internationally. Emirati riders have consistently proven their talent and commitment on the global stage.

This competition is our chance to show what we’ve trained for — to push boundaries, compete with heart, and make our mark with integrity and excellence.”

Set against the scenic backdrop of Windsor Great Park, the event offers a distinctive riding experience, taking competitors past iconic sites such as the Copper Horse, Long Walk, the Philip Jackson equestrian statue of Queen Elizabeth II, and Smith’s Lawn – famed for its elite polo action. Riders navigate a variety of terrain including woodland trails, grassland, water crossings, and paved roads, all while managing light variations through dense tree cover.

Speaking on the UAE’s participation, Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, Acting General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club and Chef d’Équipe of the UAE team, said:

“This is a prestigious event on the international endurance calendar, and the UAE has enjoyed great success here. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum’s 2014 victory remains an inspiration, motivating many to strive for excellence and national pride.

Horses are deeply woven into the fabric of Emirati culture and heritage. Endurance riding has a long-standing tradition in our region, and we are confident in our team’s strength. We look forward to another outstanding performance that will make our country and its visionary leadership proud.”


About Dubai Equestrian Club
Founded in 2002 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Equestrian Club is a global leader in endurance riding. It organises high-calibre competitions at its world-class facility, Dubai International Endurance City. The Club’s annual calendar features two flagship events: the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival and the Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival.

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