Abu dhabi: The UAE Pro League conducted the 2025-26 sports season draw for the ADNOC Pro League, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) Cup, and eUAE Pro League Championship at the headquarters of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
According to Emirates News Agency, the draw ceremony attracted representatives from clubs, sponsors, and media outlets, underscoring its significance. Notable attendees included Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC; Abdulla Nasser Al Jneibi, Chairman of the UAE Pro League; Saif Al Falahi, Group Business Support and Special Tasks Director at ADNOC; Eng. Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution; and Ahmed Al Mubarak, Head of Commercial Real Estate and Corporate Finance at ADIB.
The event also set the stage for the sixth season of the eUAE Pro League Championship, reflecting the league's commitment to integrating eSports into the competitive framework. The UAE Pro League emphasizes the growing importance of e-gaming globally and aims to actively engage with this expanding industry.
The draw maintained the use of a smart electronic draw system, continuing a practice established in the 2021-2022 season, in line with the UAE Pro League's strategy to enhance professional competitions. This approach aligns with the UAE Government's vision to integrate artificial intelligence, utilizing the OpenAI program as part of the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031.
The draw system considers several strategic factors, such as balancing high-profile matches and ensuring an equitable distribution of home and away games. It also accommodates clubs' participation in international competitions, adopting a round-by-round draw system similar to top leagues like the English Premier League, Serie A, and the Bundesliga, to maximize technical excitement and competitive balance.
The ADIB Cup draw revealed significant matchups in the first round, with Al Nasr facing Al Bataeh and potentially meeting Shabab Al Ahli. Other notable matches include Sharjah vs. Dibba, with the winner facing the victor of Al Ain vs. Khorfakkan, and reigning champions Al Jazira playing the winner of Al Wasl vs. Al Dhafra.
The ADNOC Pro League draw introduced separate draws for each round. While the opening round avoids major clashes, high-profile matches are scheduled from matchweek two onwards, including Shabab Al Ahli vs. Al Wahda and Sharjah vs. Al Jazira. Key encounters continue in subsequent weeks, culminating in the 'Dubai Derby' between Al Wasl and Al Nasr in matchweek six.
In the eUAE Pro League Championship, Group A features teams like Bani Yas, Sharjah, and Al Jazira, while Group B includes Al Wasl, Al Ain, and Shabab Al Ahli, promising competitive matches in both groups.