Dubai is set to witness a historic moment in combat sports as the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) makes its highly anticipated debut in the UAE. The first official BKFC press conference, hosted by the World League of Fighters (WLF) in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, took place at the iconic Burj Al Arab on Thursday, setting the stage for an electrifying two-day event at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on April 4 and 5.

The event was attended by key figures in the industry, including WLF Co-Founders Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew, Dubai Sports Council Director Eisa Mohammed Sharif, and BKFC Founder David Feldman. The announcement solidified Dubai’s position as a rising hub for combat sports, attracting worldwide attention.

A Landmark Moment for BKFC in the Emirates

Speaking at the conference, WLF Co-Founders Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew expressed their excitement about bringing BKFC to Dubai, emphasising the dedication it took to make it happen.

“It took us more than two years to bring it here because David has been instrumental in the growth of BKFC, which has become the fastest-growing combat sport in the world. We struggled to find the right calendar dates, but finally, we are here. We are extremely happy and ready to show that Dubai will be the best destination outside of America, thanks to our incredible partnership with David and BKFC.”

Action-Packed Fight Card

The event boasts a star-studded lineup featuring some of the biggest names in bare-knuckle fighting.

April 4 Main Events:

• Carlos “Snake” Trinidad vs. Austin Trout – Welterweight Championship
• Britain Hart vs. Tai Emery – Women’s Strawweight Championship

April 5 Main Events:

• Tommy Strydom vs. Kai Stewart – Featherweight Championship
• Hannah Rankin vs. Jessica Borga – Co-main event showdown

Dubai Sports Council’s Support for Combat Sports

Highlighting Dubai’s commitment to combat sports, Eisa Mohammed Sharif, Director of Events at Dubai Sports Council, praised WLF and BKFC for bringing the event to the region:

“We would like to thank the World League of Fighters for bringing the BKFC event to Dubai for the very first time. This combat sport is growing tremendously, and we want to see it thrive here in the region. As the Dubai Sports Council, we will continue supporting it, ensuring the greatest fighters of all time come to Dubai and take on new challenges.”

With a thrilling fight card, a world-class venue, and the backing of Dubai’s sports authorities, BKFC’s arrival in the UAE marks the beginning of a new era in combat sports.

(Source: Wam)

In a major regulatory move, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has revoked the license of Dynamics Insurance Brokers, citing non-compliance with key financial regulations.

A deep-dive examination by the CBUAE uncovered that the brokerage firm failed to meet licensing terms and regulatory requirements, prompting swift action from the financial watchdog. The move aligns with Article 22 (2) of the Insurance Authority Board of Directors Resolution No. 15 of 2013, which governs insurance brokerage operations in the country.

The UAE’s financial sector is built on trust and transparency, and the CBUAE is doubling down on its mission to uphold integrity in the insurance industry. By keeping a close eye on financial players, the Central Bank ensures the sector remains rock solid and fully compliant with UAE laws.

(Source: Wam)

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has announced a new direct route to Almaty, Kazakhstan, from Zayed International Airport, further expanding its international network. The new service will commence on June 3, 2025, with flights operating three times a week.

Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “This expansion strengthens connectivity between Abu Dhabi and key global markets.”

He further emphasized the airline’s role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s growth as a tourism and business hub, noting that the new service caters to the increasing demand for budget-friendly travel while enhancing passenger convenience.

With the addition of Almaty, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi now offers direct flights to 30 destinations, giving travellers more choices for regional and international journeys.

Why Visit Almaty?
Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage. The city is an ideal destination for both leisure and business travellers, offering a mix of scenic beauty and modern urban experiences.