Aayal QureshiDubai, UAE – Baseball United, the pioneering professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and South Asia, announced the completion of Baseball United Ballpark, the first professional baseball field in the region. The field, constructed in just 38 days with the help of Baseball United’s construction partners, will debut to the public this week with the Arab Classic Tournament. This landmark event will see participation from nine nations across the GCC and the Subcontinent, making it the largest and most competitive international baseball tournament in the region’s history.
The event was addressed by several key officials, including Ali Omar Al-Baloushi, Director of the Sports Events Department at DSC, Yacoub Mohammed, Senior Manager of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, and Kash Sheikh, the Board Chairman, CEO, and Participating Founder of the Tournament.
Kash Shaikh, Chairman and CEO of Baseball United, shared the news and several other record-setting milestones at an official press conference in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The event saw attendance from several dignitaries, including Baseball United Co-Owners and Major League Baseball legends Barry Larkin, Mariano Rivera, Adrian Beltre, and Elvis Andrus. Government officials from the UAE, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic were also present.
“We have come a long way in a short time,” said Shaikh. “In just two years, with the belief and support of the Dubai government, regional baseball federations, baseball legends, and fans, we’ve all made history repeatedly. Together, we’ve brought a completely new sport to a completely new part of the world, and built another bridge to connect people to Dubai as one of the world’s greatest sports and entertainment destinations.”
Historic Milestones of Baseball United:
Expansion of Ownership: Baseball United’s ownership now includes 20 professional baseball legends, such as Albert Pujols, Felix Hernandez, Robinson Cano, Robinson Chirinos, Ryan Howard, Bartolo Colon, and Ronald Acuña Jr., representing more than 300 years of professional baseball experience, 80 MLB All-Star appearances, and 15 World Series Championships.
Launch of Official Merchandise: Baseball United’s merchandise line is now available in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and The Galleria Mall (Abu Dhabi) through a partnership with GO Sport. Official jerseys of all four inaugural Baseball United franchises—Mumbai Cobras, Karachi Monarchs, Mid East Falcons, and the Dubai-based Arabia Wolves—are on sale for the first time.
Formation of UAE National Baseball Team: In partnership with Emirates Cricket Board, Baseball United has formed the first-ever UAE National Baseball Team, which will play its inaugural match against India on Thursday, followed by a match against Pakistan that evening.
Completion of Baseball United Ballpark: The first professional baseball field in the region, modeled after the iconic Yankee Stadium, will host all Baseball United events, tournaments, and the upcoming league season, serving as a launchpad for international events with top baseball teams worldwide.
Opening of Arab Classic International Baseball Tournament: From November 7th to 10th, the Arab Classic Tournament will feature nine nations from the GCC and Subcontinent in the largest and most competitive international baseball tournament in the region’s history. Twenty-one games will be played over four days at Baseball United Ballpark, with the championship on November 10th. Evening games will be streamed for free on baseballunited.com, and tickets are available on Platinumlist, starting at AED 49.
“We are thrilled that for the first time in history, national baseball teams from the subcontinent and the GCC will have a stage to showcase their passion, talent, and development,” said Shaikh. “Growing the game at the grassroots and national team levels is crucial to our mission at Baseball United. Our new field is a game changer for Dubai and the region, enabling countless opportunities for countries, communities, and athletes.”
