Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The upcoming ADNOC Pro League season promises to be a thrilling campaign right from the early weeks, thanks to the continued use of artificial intelligence to craft competitive and balanced fixture schedules of premier competitions in the UAE.
A draw ceremony at the ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, witnessed by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, kickstarted the domestic season.
For the fifth consecutive year, the UAE Pro League has employed a smart electronic draw system, designed to maximise high-profile matchups and ensure fairness across the board. Yet, coincidentally, the top legacy teams in the league, such as Al Ain, Al Jazira, Al Wahda, Shabab Al Ahli, Al Wasl and Sharjah have got easy fixture-ranking clashes lined up for the first match day.
They would all be expected to hit the ground running before the schedule parity balances out.
Using AI to model scheduling similar to Europe's top leagues – such as the Premier League and Serie A – the draw ensures no more than two matches take place in the same city each week and considers external commitments, home-and-away balance, and traditional rivalries.
The result: a fixture list geared toward fan engagement and fierce competition.
After the opening round avoids marquee clashes, things heat up quickly from the second. That round will see Shabab Al Ahli meet Al Wahda in a high-stakes encounter, while Sharjah take on Al Jazira, both matchups likely to influence the early title race.
Matchweek 3 continues the intensity as Al Wasl face Al Ain, two sides eyeing silverware, while Al Jazira go head-to-head with Al Nasr in a classic capital vs Dubai showdown. Drama follows Al Nasr as they take on fellow Dubai rivals Shabab Al Ahli.
The calendar hits a major peak for the fifth match day for the top teams, featuring: Shabab Al Ahli vs Al Ain, the Abu Dhabi derby between Jazira and Al Wahda, Al Wasl vs Sharjah.
Next week’s highlight will be the Dubai derby between Al Wasl and Al Nasr, ensuring a charged atmosphere for supporters across the city.
The second half of the season maintains the excitement, kicking off with intriguing fixtures including Ajman vs Shabab Al Ahli, Al Bataeh vs Al Jazira, and Al Wasl vs Khorfakkan.
The Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) Cup also sees several compelling potential matchups. Al Nasr will meet Al Bataeh, with the winner to face Shabab Al Ahli. Sharjah clash with Dibba, and may face Al Ain if the latter beat Khorfakkan.
Reigning champions Al Jazira await the winner of Al Wasl vs Al Dhafra, while Al Wahda face Ajman, with the victors taking on Baniyas or Khorfakkan. The draw for the sixth season of the eUAE Pro League Championship was also drawn, with teams slotted into two groups.
Baniyas, Al Bataeh, Sharjah, Kalba, Ajman, Dibba, Al Jazira have been put in Group A, while the other one has Khorfakkan, Al Wasl, Al Ain, Al Wahda, Shabab Al Ahli, Al Nasr, Al Dhafra.
The draw event brought together a host of dignitaries besides Al Jaber and Abdulla Al Jneibi, Chairman of the UAE Pro League. The use of AI and adherence to international best practices reflects the League's long-term vision under its 2020–2030 strategy, aligning with the UAE Government's AI Strategy 2031.
