In a major boost for regional cricket, the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has signed a strategic partnership with the Kuwait Cricket Board to develop the sport in Kuwait and beyond.

The collaboration, formalised at a high-profile ceremony at Dubai International Stadium, will see Kuwait host ILT20 development tournaments, offer exposure to local players, and eventually aim to stage official ILT20 matches on Kuwaiti soil.

This marks the first official partnership of its kind between the Emirates Cricket Board and any other national board under the ILT20 framework, placing Kuwait on the global cricket map.

What This Means for Cricket in the Gulf

• Annual ILT20 Development Tournaments in Kuwait to identify and nurture local talent
• Opportunity for Kuwaiti players to be scouted by ILT20 franchises
• Future possibility of ILT20 matches hosted in Kuwait, expanding the league’s GCC footprint
• Greater involvement of local sponsors and Kuwaiti brands in regional cricket
• Enhanced pathway for Kuwaiti nationals to pursue full-time cricket careers

Voices from the Partnership

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20 and Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, said: “We are proud to announce this strategic collaboration with the Kuwait Cricket Board as they officially join the DP World ILT20 family. This partnership underscores our commitment to expanding the game’s footprint across the Gulf region. Kuwait is a valued partner, an ambitious country with a clear vision for promoting and developing cricket.

“With strong cricket-playing communities across the region, the DP World ILT20 aims to create opportunities for players and fans alike. Our goal is to elevate the sport and make the league a truly regional platform for cricket excellence.”

Haider Farman, President of Kuwait Cricket, stated: “It is an honour to formalise this landmark agreement between Kuwait Cricket and the Emirates Cricket Board to promote the DP World ILT20, both in our two countries and across the wider region. This partnership is a cornerstone in our shared vision to grow and globalise the sport of cricket.

“We take great pride in Kuwait being recognised as the first strategic partner of the DP World ILT20. Cricket is rapidly gaining momentum in Kuwait, and this collaboration will play a pivotal role in integrating more Kuwaiti nationals into the sport as players, officials, and professionals.

“With the upcoming Asian Games in Qatar (2030) and Saudi Arabia (2034), the timing is ideal. We believe this partnership will inspire the next generation across the GCC and lay the foundation for long-term cricketing success.”

David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, commented: “We congratulate Kuwait Cricket for their strategic foresight and leadership, which have made this exciting partnership possible. The DP World ILT20’s long-term vision extends beyond the UAE; it is to serve as a catalyst for cricket development across the Gulf.

“This agreement opens up incredible opportunities for young talent in Kuwait to grow, compete, and ultimately be scouted for the main league. We’ve already seen how UAE players have benefitted from exposure to high-level competition and coaching, with recent wins like the T20I series against Bangladesh highlighting that impact. We are confident Kuwait will see similar progress.”

Sajid Ashraf, Director General of Kuwait Cricket, added: “This collaboration marks a historic moment for Kuwait Cricket and the broader sporting community. Partnering with the Emirates Cricket Board and the world-class DP World ILT20 opens new doors for our players to pursue full-time careers in professional cricket.

“Beyond the field, this alliance provides a powerful platform for Kuwaiti corporations to connect with the region’s vibrant cricket-loving population. With more than two million expatriates in Kuwait and a population of five million, the potential for commercial engagement is significant.

“We look forward to the launch of the ILT20 Development Tournament in Kuwait and the many opportunities it will bring for players, fans, and businesses. This is a defining step towards building a stronger cricket ecosystem and ensuring lasting impact for generations to come.”

What’s Next?

The first DP World ILT20 Development Tournament in Kuwait is set to be announced soon. Meanwhile, ILT20 Season 4 kicks off in the UAE on December 2, 2025 (UAE National Day), with six teams competing across 34 matches, culminating in the final on January 4, 2026.

As cricket cements its popularity across the GCC, this collaboration signals a shared ambition: to create an inclusive cricket ecosystem, from Dubai to Kuwait and beyond.

In a major step towards enhancing family wellbeing and protecting the rights of women and children, Sharjah has approved the establishment of a new Family Court dedicated to resolving family-related disputes and improving access to justice.

The move aims to strengthen family stability across the emirate by providing faster, more compassionate legal support for those dealing with divorce, custody, alimony, and guardianship issues.

Prioritising Protection for Vulnerable Family Members

As part of this initiative, a new committee will be set up to oversee and safeguard the funds of children and other vulnerable individuals. This includes creating transparent financial plans to manage their money responsibly and ensure it is used in their best interest. Regular updates will be provided to Sharjah’s Judicial Council to maintain accountability.

Special Fund to Support Alimony Needs

Sharjah’s Judicial Council also announced a special alimony support fund that will provide urgent financial relief to individuals, particularly women and children, who are left without support due to legal or financial obstacles faced by the responsible party.

If a parent or spouse fails to pay, the new fund will step in temporarily, with the owed amount later recovered from the responsible individual.

A New Chapter in Family Justice

This new Family Court and support framework reflects Sharjah’s growing commitment to:

• Fairness and fast resolution in sensitive family matters
• Empowering women and protecting children
• Creating a supportive legal environment that prioritises family harmony and social cohesion

The Judicial Inspection Department has been tasked with drafting new regulations to ensure that the Family Court operates efficiently and with compassion.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in family welfare reform in the UAE, ensuring no child or parent is left behind due to legal delays or unpaid dues.

Brace for a sticky evening and a foggy start to the weekend. The UAE weather will be fair to partly cloudy throughout Thursday, with temperatures climbing as high as 47°C, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

Humidity levels are set to rise significantly overnight, reaching up to 85% in some areas, making for a sweaty and uncomfortable night. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity during late evening hours.

Meanwhile, Friday morning could bring reduced visibility, as the NCM has issued red and yellow alerts for fog and mist in several coastal and internal regions.

Motorists Alert: If you’re on the road early Friday, drive cautiously. Low visibility due to fog may impact certain highways and residential areas. Authorities urge drivers to stay updated and adhere to safety guidelines.