LEBANESE SUPERSTAR WAEL ARAKJI TELLS OF HONOUR, EXCITEMENT, AND AMBITION AHEAD OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED DUBAI BASKETBALL DEBUT
Ahmed Bin Abdulqader ـ nabd–alhadath
Dubai Basketball’s latest signing Wael Arakji has told of his pride at becoming the team’s first Lebanese player – and his ambitions to help the side compete at the highest levels.
The 30-year-old is the reigning Basketball Champions League Asia MVP after helping Al Riyadi to championship glory in 2024 and now has his sights set on a new chapter in his career.
Dubai Basketball is currently second in Europe’s ABA League in its inaugural season, and Arakji knows his ambitions match those of the team, both in the short and long term.
“I’m most excited to be part of a club with such big ambitions,” he said. “Dubai Basketball is building something special, and I’m eager to contribute to the team’s success. They’re blending international standards with their vision for growth, and I’m excited to be part of that process.
“It’s also exciting to play in a league like the ABA, where the competition is high, and I can test myself against some of the best.”
With Championships in Lebanon, Qatar, and Tunisia under his belt, Arakji wants to add Dubai to that list.
Arakji has two Asia Champions League winners’ medals to his name and spent a summer with the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, further reinforcing his on-court credentials and the reasons why so many Middle East basketball fans are excited to see his Dubai debut.
“My ambition is to help Dubai Basketball compete at the highest level and push for championships. I want to continue improving my game, building chemistry with my teammates, and making a significant impact on both ends of the court.”
Not only is Arakji Dubai Basketball’s first Lebanese player, but he will also be the first from his nation to compete in the ABA League – a fact he’s incredibly proud of as he looks to showcase the talent existing in the region.
“It’s an incredible honor to be the first Lebanese player to join Dubai Basketball and the ABA League,” he said. “I’m proud to represent my country and take this step forward in my career.
“This is not just about me; it’s about opening doors for other Lebanese talents and proving that we can compete on some of the biggest regional stages.”
An icon in his homeland, Arakji helped his country to the 2022 Arab Basketball Championship, and finished runner-up in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup – being named MVP in both tournaments. He now wants to continue making fans proud in his club career.
“Representing Lebanon has always been a great honor and responsibility. Every time I step on the court, I carry the pride and passion of my country with me. Moving to Dubai, I want to continue that legacy-making my country proud.”
Arakji will make his highly anticipated debut when Dubai Basketball takes on Mornar in ABA League action at Coca-Cola Arena. With an 8-3 record for the season, the team has built an excellent platform to build from, and Arakji is excited at the prospect of competing with his teammates and showing his all-court prowess, this Sunday.
“I’ve had the chance to meet some of the guys, and I’m impressed. There’s a strong mix of talent, work ethic, and camaraderie within the group. Everyone’s focused on the same goal: winning. I’m looking forward to building that connection further.”
You can watch Wael Arakji make his Dubai Basketball debut when they take on Mornar at Coca-Cola Arena on Sunday, December 15, tip-off at 6:30 pm. Tickets are available here.
