Dubai Basketball completes landmark signing of Lebanese star Wael Arakji
Dubai Basketball have today completed the signing of one of the Middle East’s standout players - Lebanese star Wael Arakji.
(Photo: FIBA)
The 30-year-old joins for the 2024/25 season bringing with him a wealth of talent and experience as Dubai Basketball maintain their AdmiralBet ABA League Playoffs push.
Nicknamed ‘The Fearsome’, Wael Arakji is a dominant presence on-court, a high-scorer with an impressive basketball résumé that has seen him win championships across the world, including in Lebanon, Qatar, and Tunisia - while also having successful stints in China, and in the NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks. He also has two FIBA Asia Champions Cup winner’s medals - the highest accolade for club basketball in Asia.
A hero in his native Lebanon, Arakji helped his country to the 2022 Arab Basketball Championship, and finished runner-up in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup. In both tournaments, he was MVP, averaging an impressive 26 points per game in the Asia Cup.
In joining a high-level organisation and a team committed to excellence, Arakji finds himself in perfect environment to thrive, and is highly motivated to make history - not only as a team, but also individually as the first Lebanese player in the AdmiralBet ABA League.
Arakji is expected to immediately go into the Dubai Basketball squad for their next game against Mornar on Sunday, December 15 at Coca-Cola Arena. His scoring prowess will add another dimension to a team 8-3 in the ABA League in their very first season.
Wael Arakji said as he joined Dubai Basketball: “I am incredibly excited to join Dubai Basketball. This is fantastic organisation and it is an honour to be part of this inaugural season. Something very special is being built here and that will only go from strength to strength in the future. As professionals we live to play at the highest levels - and that's what you get here at Dubai Basketball. There is a great group of players and coaches here and I can't wait to join them.”
He added that he is looking forward to playing in front of many of his compatriots at Coca-Cola Arena.
“There is a hugely passionate Lebanese basketball community in Dubai, and I know they are making their voices heard by creating an amazing atmosphere every time we step on court. I am excited to make my debut this weekend and hope everyone can come down to Coca-Cola Arena to be part of this great occasion.”
