Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 00 October 2025:

The Dubai Knowledge Fund Establishment (KFE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai Basketball to provide AED 1.95 million in financial support for the “Dubai Schools” project. This partnership aligns with Dubai's vision of inclusive and sustainable education and supports the Dubai 2030 strategy to elevate educational quality and ensure equal learning opportunities for all. It also reflects the vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, to invest in education and empower future generations. The initiative represents a practical step toward achieving the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 goals and the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to build a cohesive and sustainable society.

The signing ceremony was held at the Knowledge Fund Headquarters, in the presence of Mr. Adnan Hassan Darwish, Director of Resources and Corporate Communication at KFE, and Mr. Guido Fienga, President of Dubai Basketball, who signed the MoU on behalf of the club.

This initiative aims to enrich the Dubai Schools ecosystem and support its ongoing development journey, enhancing the quality of education and advancing the overall objectives of the project. It also contributes to providing financial support to deserving students, ensuring they have access to exceptional learning opportunities without financial barriers. The initiative reflects a strong sense of social responsibility and a firm commitment to supporting education and nurturing future generations.

In this context, H.E. Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, Chief Executive Officer of KFE, stated: “We view this initiative by Dubai Basketball as a practical addition that enables us to accelerate expansion work and provide a comprehensive educational environment that meets the aspirations of students and parents alike. We welcome this type of support that directly improves the quality of educational outcomes and marks the beginning of a cooperation path we hope will expand in the future.”

For his part, Guido Fienga, President of the Dubai Basketball, said: “We are proud today of this initiative, which marks our first contribution to supporting school education and reflects our social responsibility beyond the scope of sports activities. We believe that direct investment in school infrastructure enhances societal cohesion, and we hope this step will

mark the beginning of broader partnerships that contribute to building generations capable of excellence.”

This MoU is part of KFE's broader effort to promote high-quality, inclusive education in Dubai and ensure deserving students benefit from outstanding learning opportunities. “Dubai Schools” is one of KFE’s flagship initiatives, offering a curriculum that integrates modern teaching methodologies with Emirati values. The project continues to expand, including the Nad Al Sheba campus expansion, which will be completed by 2026. The expansion features state-of-the-art educational, and sports facilities designed to meet the needs of students and reflect global best practices in education. These efforts underscore KFE’s dedication to strengthening public-private collaboration and advancing Dubai’s vision of nurturing a distinguished and creative generation.

Dubai Basketball contribution reflects its deep commitment to social responsibility and the belief that sports can play a vital role in shaping a stronger, more connected community. Through this partnership, the club supports the Dubai Schools project by helping to enhance learning opportunities and inspire the next generation to pursue excellence, both in the classroom and beyond. As Dubai’s first home team to represent the city in top international leagues, the EuroLeague and the ABA League, the club embodies the spirit of ambition and leadership that defines Dubai’s vision for its youth. In addition to their achievements on the court, Dubai Basketball aims to create meaningful educational and social impact by engaging students, nurturing talent, and motivating young people to dream big and contribute positively to their society.

ENDS

ABOUT THE KNOWLEDGE FUND ESTABLISHMENT (KFE):

The Knowledge Fund Establishment is a government entity established in 2007 under the directives of His H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. Its mission is to support and develop the education sector in the Emirate of Dubai. The establishment aims to provide an advanced educational and knowledge environment by allocating and managing educational assets, creating a sustainable investment portfolio to fund strategic educational initiatives, and actively participating in the planning and implementation of educational projects. It works to enhance the quality of education in Dubai and provide exceptional educational opportunities for all segments of society, in alignment with the emirate’s vision of building a sustainable knowledge-based economy.

ABOUT DUBAI BASKETBALL

Founded in 2023, Dubai Basketball is a newly established professional basketball franchise that plays in Europe’s EuroLeague and Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League for the 2025/26 season. The franchise has assembled a strong roster of players led by Head Coach Jurica Golemac. The club plays their home games at Coca-Cola Arena.

Dubai Basketball is a professional organisation driving the growth of basketball in the UAE and beyond. Built on a foundation of FIBA-certified coaches, former professional players, and industry experts, the team embodies excellence both on and off the court. Committed to fostering talent and inspiring positive social impact, Dubai Basketball continues to shape the nation’s basketball footprint.