Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum, left, shakes hands with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) CEO Peter Murray. Photo: PFL
Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum, left, shakes hands with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) CEO Peter Murray. Photo: PFL
Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum, left, shakes hands with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) CEO Peter Murray. Photo: PFL
Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum, left, shakes hands with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) CEO Peter Murray. Photo: PFL

Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum joins PFL global ownership group


Steve Luckings
  • English
  • Arabic

The Professional Fighters League has strengthened its ties with Dubai after announcing Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum has joined the promotion's global ownership group.

In a statement, the PFL said the latest announcement fortifies the PFL’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Middle East and supporting the growth of mixed martial arts across the UAE and the region.

“I am delighted to join the PFL’s ownership group as I believe in PFL’s global vision to grow the sport of MMA,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum said in a press release. “I am excited by PFL’s momentum in staging world-class fight events in Dubai and the UAE region.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum is chairman of Alpha MBM Investments, a diversified investment company based in Dubai with strategic interests across real estate, technology, energy, and sports.

The PFL made headlines earlier this year by hosting a landmark event in Dubai, the first of its kind by a global MMA organisation, in partnership with Dubai Economy & Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council. The card was headlined by a thrilling title bout between Russia's Usman Magomedov and Irishman Paul Hughes.

  • Usman Nurmagomedov (grey shorts) defeats Paul Hughes (black shorts) via majority decision in the main event for the Bellator lightweight championship at the PFL Road To Dubai Champions Series. Coca Cola Arena, Dubai. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Usman Nurmagomedov (grey shorts) defeats Paul Hughes (black shorts) via majority decision in the main event for the Bellator lightweight championship at the PFL Road To Dubai Champions Series. Coca Cola Arena, Dubai. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Nurmagomedov and Hughes in action in Dubai.
    Nurmagomedov and Hughes in action in Dubai.
  • Nurmagomedov kicks out at Hughes.
    Nurmagomedov kicks out at Hughes.
  • Nurmagomedov and Hughes in action in Dubai.
    Nurmagomedov and Hughes in action in Dubai.
  • Former UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov watches on from outside the cage.
    Former UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov watches on from outside the cage.
  • The crowd enjoying the action in Dubai.
    The crowd enjoying the action in Dubai.
  • Hughes lands a big left hand on Nurmagomedov.
    Hughes lands a big left hand on Nurmagomedov.
  • Nurmagomedov and Hughes in action in Dubai.
    Nurmagomedov and Hughes in action in Dubai.
  • A bloodied Hughes smiles at the crowd.
    A bloodied Hughes smiles at the crowd.
  • Nurmagomedov and Hughes gesture at the end of the bout.
    Nurmagomedov and Hughes gesture at the end of the bout.
  • Usman Nurmagomedov celebrates with the championship belt.
    Usman Nurmagomedov celebrates with the championship belt.
  • Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (green shorts) defeats Ruel Panales (black shorts) in a flyweight bout at the PFL Road To Dubai Champions Series. Coca Cola Arena, Dubai.
    Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (green shorts) defeats Ruel Panales (black shorts) in a flyweight bout at the PFL Road To Dubai Champions Series. Coca Cola Arena, Dubai.
  • Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (green shorts) in action against Ruel Panales.
    Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (green shorts) in action against Ruel Panales.
  • Hadi Omar Al Hussaini flies the UAE flag after his win.
    Hadi Omar Al Hussaini flies the UAE flag after his win.
  • Ibragim Ibragimov (blue shorts) defeats Kenny Mokhonoana (black shorts) in a featherweight bout.
    Ibragim Ibragimov (blue shorts) defeats Kenny Mokhonoana (black shorts) in a featherweight bout.
  • Akhmad Magomed (blue shorts) defeats Nathan Kelly (black shorts) in a featherweight bout.
    Akhmad Magomed (blue shorts) defeats Nathan Kelly (black shorts) in a featherweight bout.
  • Renat Khavalov (red shorts) defeats Cleiver Fernandes (black shorts) in a bantamweight bout.
    Renat Khavalov (red shorts) defeats Cleiver Fernandes (black shorts) in a bantamweight bout.
  • Mirafzal Akhtamov (green shorts) defeats Mike Thompson (black shorts) in a lightweight bout.
    Mirafzal Akhtamov (green shorts) defeats Mike Thompson (black shorts) in a lightweight bout.
  • Haider Khan (black shorts) defeats Mostafa Nada (green shorts) in a middleweight bout.
    Haider Khan (black shorts) defeats Mostafa Nada (green shorts) in a middleweight bout.
  • John Mitchell (green shorts) defeats Souhil Tairi (black shorts) in a lightweight bout.
    John Mitchell (green shorts) defeats Souhil Tairi (black shorts) in a lightweight bout.

PFL International CEO Peter Murray hailed the new partnership: “Welcoming Sheikh Mohammed to our ownership group is a major milestone. His leadership and expertise reinforce our commitment to the region and will help us further elevate MMA across the Middle East.”

The PFL Mena series, now in its second season, continues to unearth regional talent such as champions Abdullah Al Qahtani, Omar El Dafrawy, and trailblazing women’s star Hattan Alsaif.

In April, Zamzam Al Hammadi, 17, became the first female Emirati to join a lead MMA promotion when she signed with the PFL.

The third event of the ongoing PFL Mena season is set to take place in September.

Herc's Adventures

Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

Bareilly Ki Barfi
Directed by: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring: Kriti Sanon, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao
Three and a half stars

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Raha%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Kuwait%2FSaudi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Tech%20Logistics%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2414%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Soor%20Capital%2C%20eWTP%20Arabia%20Capital%2C%20Aujan%20Enterprises%2C%20Nox%20Management%2C%20Cedar%20Mundi%20Ventures%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20166%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Like a Fading Shadow

Antonio Muñoz Molina

Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez

Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)

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MOTHER%20OF%20STRANGERS
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Suad%20Amiry%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Pantheon%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPages%3A%20304%3Cbr%3EAvailable%3A%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final:

First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2

Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome

TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)

Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021

Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.

The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.

These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.

“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.

“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.

“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.

“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”

Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.

There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.

“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.

“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.

“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”

The Baghdad Clock

Shahad Al Rawi, Oneworld

Jumanji: The Next Level

Director: Jake Kasdan

Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Jack Black, Nick Jonas 

Two out of five stars 

Company%20profile
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Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHayvn%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EChristopher%20Flinos%2C%20Ahmed%20Ismail%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efinancial%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eundisclosed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESize%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2044%20employees%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eseries%20B%20in%20the%20second%20half%20of%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHilbert%20Capital%2C%20Red%20Acre%20Ventures%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cargoz%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Premlal%20Pullisserry%20and%20Lijo%20Antony%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2030%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

How to help

Donate towards food and a flight by transferring money to this registered charity's account.

Account name: Dar Al Ber Society

Account Number: 11 530 734

IBAN: AE 9805 000 000 000 11 530 734

Bank Name: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

To ensure that your contribution reaches these people, please send the copy of deposit/transfer receipt to: juhi.khan@daralber.ae

Five expert hiking tips
    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20Tabby%3Cbr%3EFounded%3A%20August%202019%3B%20platform%20went%20live%20in%20February%202020%3Cbr%3EFounder%2FCEO%3A%20Hosam%20Arab%2C%20co-founder%3A%20Daniil%20Barkalov%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Payments%3Cbr%3ESize%3A%2040-50%20employees%3Cbr%3EStage%3A%20Series%20A%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Arbor%20Ventures%2C%20Mubadala%20Capital%2C%20Wamda%20Capital%2C%20STV%2C%20Raed%20Ventures%2C%20Global%20Founders%20Capital%2C%20JIMCO%2C%20Global%20Ventures%2C%20Venture%20Souq%2C%20Outliers%20VC%2C%20MSA%20Capital%2C%20HOF%20and%20AB%20Accelerator.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Disability on screen

Empire — neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis; bipolar disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Rosewood and Transparent — heart issues

24: Legacy — PTSD;

Superstore and NCIS: New Orleans — wheelchair-bound

Taken and This Is Us — cancer

Trial & Error — cognitive disorder prosopagnosia (facial blindness and dyslexia)

Grey’s Anatomy — prosthetic leg

Scorpion — obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety

Switched at Birth — deafness

One Mississippi, Wentworth and Transparent — double mastectomy

Dragons — double amputee

Anna and the Apocalypse

Director: John McPhail

Starring: Ella Hunt, Malcolm Cumming, Mark Benton

Three stars

Honeymoonish
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: July 24, 2025, 10:18 AM