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Dubai hosts Women’s Asia Cup as Premier League, US Open heat up

This weekend, Dubai takes center stage with the Women’s Asia Cup cricket tournament, while football fans gear up for a packed Premier League schedule and tennis enthusiasts follow the US Open. Here’s what to watch across sports in the UAE.

What’s happening in Dubai this weekend?

The Women’s Asia Cup T20 tournament kicks off in Dubai, featuring eight teams competing for continental supremacy. The UAE is not fielding a side, but the event marks a significant step for women’s cricket in the region. Matches run from October 19 to 28 at the ICC Academy Ground.

Local fans can catch live action, with India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka among the favorites. The tournament serves as a warm-up for next year’s T20 World Cup, adding stakes to every match.

Why the Women’s Asia Cup matters for the Gulf

Women’s cricket is growing rapidly in the UAE. The Emirates Cricket Board reported a 40% increase in female participation in 2023, with over 1,200 registered players. Hosting the Asia Cup could accelerate this trend, inspiring more young women in the Gulf to take up the sport.

Dubai’s role as a neutral venue for international cricket also strengthens its reputation as a global sports hub. The city already hosts the IPL, PSL, and other major tournaments, but the Women’s Asia Cup adds a new dimension.

Premier League: Key matches to watch

Football fans in the UAE have a packed weekend ahead. Arsenal face Manchester City in a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday, while Liverpool host Chelsea in another high-stakes encounter. Both matches kick off at 6:30 PM UAE time.

Elsewhere, Manchester United travel to Brighton, and Tottenham take on Fulham. With the title race heating up, every point counts in the early stages of the season.

Premier League weekend fixtures (UAE times)

US Open: Djokovic chases history

Novak Djokovic aims to extend his record Grand Slam tally at the US Open, which reaches its climax this weekend. The Serbian faces Daniil Medvedev in the final on Sunday, a rematch of the 2021 final where Medvedev denied Djokovic a calendar-year Grand Slam.

In the women’s draw, Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka battle for the title. Gauff, the 19-year-old American, looks to add a second major after her Wimbledon triumph earlier this year.

Where to watch in the UAE

Cricket fans can catch the Women’s Asia Cup on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar. Premier League matches air on beIN Sports, while the US Open final is live on Amazon Prime Video.

For those preferring to watch in person, Dubai’s sports bars and fan zones will be buzzing. Check local listings for screenings of the big matches.

Which of these events are you most excited about this weekend? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Source: Gulf News