Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.

The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.

Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.

The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.

What started as a struggling fight night in Dubai turned into one of the city’s most talked-about sports events, and it’s all thanks to Tristan Hamm.

At a time when live events were taking a hit, this Canadian boxer and social media personality stepped up with his “Spirit of Dubai” initiative, completely changing the game.

From 98 per cent refunds to a packed arena
The event was on the brink of cancellation after nearly all tickets were refunded, leaving the venue almost empty.

But Hamm wasn’t having it.

He went all in, leveraging social media, personal outreach, and community connections to bring people back.

The result?
• More than 1,400 attendees
• Over 400 influencers and business leaders
• A buzzing, high-energy fight night atmosphere

The $200,000 move that changed everything
In a bold move, Hamm donated $200,000 in tickets to UAE residents, giving many their first-ever live boxing experience.

Within just 2 weeks, the event flipped from near-cancelled to completely sold out.

Then came the knockout
The fight night delivered serious action with multiple KOs, but the highlight? Hamm’s own explosive knockout win, which has now gone mega viral with over 500 million views on Instagram

More than just a fight night
With nearly 2 million followers, Hamm turned this into a global moment—showcasing Dubai’s energy, community spirit, and ability to bounce back.

His words summed it up perfectly: “Dubai didn’t need saving. It needed people to show up.”

This wasn’t just about boxing, it became a symbol of:
• Community power

• Resilience during uncertainty

• The comeback of Dubai’s live events scene

From empty seats to a viral global success, the “Spirit of Dubai” proves one thing: when people come together, the city comes alive.