There will be a chance to see the future basketball stars for free when the most talented players in the Middle East gather in Dubai on Saturday.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Basketball Showcase, presented by ANTA, will see 42 under-19 players from the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, South Sudan, Tunisia, Iran and Palestine in action.

The event, supported by Dubai Sports Council and UAE Basketball Federation, hopes to act as a platform in providing elite international education opportunities.

Spectators will be able to enjoy two high quality matches at Al Wasl Sports Club – the UAE All-Stars match at 11:00 and the MENA All-Stars clash at 13:00. Also part of the schedule is a slam dunk and 3-point competition. 

Saeed Al-Naji, event director, said: “The UAE All-Stars game will be the under-17s national team and they will be playing against some of the UAE’s best expat players.

"In the MENA All-Stars game, there will be two Emiratis, three UAE expats and the rest of the players from around the region.

"These games are all about fun and it’s played in the lighter spirit, and we want to impress all the people with what a great sport basketball is. On Friday, these players will receive awards to highlight their individual talent.

“The aim is to highlight the values of the best players in the region. We want to expose them to new international opportunities and particularly to colleges that offers scholarships. Profiles will be created for these athletes online that will be available to scouting services around the world.”

During the time-out sessions and intervals of the matches, the spectators will have the opportunity to win some prizes.

Al-Naji said: “There will be different contests for the fans. We want them to be part of this great experience.”

Explaining why the event is free admission to the public, he added: “We want kids to get inspired. Sport can offer incredible rewards. My hope is that kids watching from the stands will stride onto the court as players and sporting scholars in the years to follow.”

VENUE: Al Wasl Sports Club, Dubai
WHAT: MENA Basketball Showcase 
WHEN: Saturday from 11.00
Sport360 VERDICT: It will be an opportunity to see the future stars of basketball in the Middle East region. Spectators will be able to win some fantastic prizes and witness two great matches.
CONTACT: www.menabasketball.com