Sharjah Stuns Al Riyadi in Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship
Abu Dhabi, UAE — The 2025 Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship, held at Al Jazira’s Mubadala Dome, featured some of the top clubs from across the Middle East and Asia. With teams such as Al Qurain (Kuwait), BC Astana (Kazakhstan), Al Wahda (UAE), Champville (Lebanon), Al Riyadi (Lebanon), Al Dhafra (UAE), Tropang (Philippines), and Sharjah (UAE), the tournament offered fans a rare opportunity to see a mix of regional powerhouses and international talent compete on UAE soil.
Among the standout clashes was the matchup between Sharjah and Al Riyadi, two clubs representing distinct basketball traditions — one a growing force in the UAE, the other a perennial champion in Lebanon and the region. Despite the prestige and experience of their Lebanese counterparts, Sharjah pulled off a hard-fought victory, signalling that their recent roster overhaul may have elevated them to a new level of competitiveness.
Sharjah’s New Era Takes Shape
The Sharjah Basketball Club, one of the UAE’s most consistent performers in recent years, showcased an entirely refreshed look. The club introduced three new foreign signings — Glenn Robinson III, Kavell Bigby-Williams, and Charles Matthews — each bringing valuable experience and complementary skill sets to the squad.
Robinson III, a former NBA forward known for his athleticism and scoring touch, adds star power and leadership. Bigby-Williams, the 6’11” British center with NCAA and professional experience in Europe, provides size and defensive presence inside the paint. Sharjah’s lineup was bolstered by the addition of Charles Matthews, a 6-foot-6 guard/forward known for his time at Kentucky and Michigan. His presence adds experience and versatility to Sharjah’s revamped roster
Sharjah also strengthened its local core with the signing of Ahmed Abdulateef, who joined from Shabab Al Ahli, and the steady development of young talents like Mahmoud “Wassim” Al Sawan. The combination of these signings with returning import DeMarco Dickerson has given Sharjah one of its most versatile and balanced rosters in recent memory.
This renewed lineup demonstrated resilience, depth, and chemistry, particularly impressive given the calibre of the opponent. Facing a team of Al Riyadi’s pedigree, Sharjah executed with poise — showing that the club’s investment in a dynamic and flexible roster is beginning to pay off.
Al Riyadi: A Benchmark of Regional Basketball Excellence
Al Riyadi Beirut needs little introduction in Middle Eastern basketball. With a history spanning over 75 years, the Lebanese powerhouse has established itself as one of the most successful clubs in Asia, boasting multiple Lebanese League titles, Arab Club Championships, and FIBA regional honors.
Though this year’s squad looks slightly different following the transfer of Wael Arakji — the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup MVP — to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ula, Al Riyadi remains loaded with talent and experience. Veterans Amir Saoud, Karim Zeinoun, Hayk Gyokchyan, Ali Mansour, and international standouts Ivan Buva and Maurice Kemp continue to uphold the club’s reputation for high basketball IQ, teamwork, and elite execution under pressure. The addition of Ismail Abdelmoneim added further depth to a lineup that, as always, competed until the final seconds.
Even in defeat, Al Riyadi displayed the composure and tactical discipline that have made them a model for basketball excellence in the region.
A Glimpse of the Region’s Basketball Future
Sharjah’s victory over Al Riyadi serves as more than just a highlight of the Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship — it reflects the growing competitiveness of UAE basketball on the regional stage. With local clubs investing in player development, world-class imports, and professional infrastructure, the gap between UAE teams and their regional counterparts is narrowing rapidly.
This matchup also underlined how basketball in the Gulf is evolving into a more dynamic and internationally influenced game. For fans in the UAE, seeing Sharjah overcome a regional giant like Al Riyadi signals that a new chapter in Emirati basketball might be unfolding — one defined by ambition, growth, and an increasingly global outlook.
Final Score: Sharjah (UAE) def. Al Riyadi (Lebanon)
Venue: Al Jazira Club, Mubadala Dome – Abu Dhabi
Tournament: Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship