There was big news in the world of the Winter Olympics last week, but it was the UAE Pro League action that was the highlight of the weekend.
ADNOC Pro League Results
Al Ain 2 – 2 Al Whada (17 January 2026)
The weekend’s standout fixture came at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium as Al Ain and Al Wahda played out a thrilling stalemate in one of the season’s most absorbing encounters so far.
Al Ain started brightly and were rewarded with an early win through Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba, which was his first of two goals on the evening.
Al Wahda responded well, growing into the contest, and was rewarded with Omar Khribin equalising before the break after a sustained spell of possession.
The second half continued at a high tempo, with chances traded, and both teams pushing for control as a draw seemed redundant.
Al Ain regained the lead midway through the half, but Al Wahda refused to settle for defeat and found a late equaliser, again through Khribin, to ensure the spoils were shared.
Al Ain stay top of the league after the weekend, while Al Wahda showed once again their determination to be in the title-race conversation.
Al Wasl 1 – 0 Al Jazira (17 January 2026)
In Dubai, Al Wasl edged past Al Jazira with a 1-0 victory in a tight and tactical affair. Chances were limited in the opening stages, with both teams prioritising a defensive approach.
The decisive moment arrived in the second half when Al Wasl capitalised on a rare lapse, with Renato Junior scoring in the last stages of stoppage time with a well-taken finish.
Al Jazira pushed for an equaliser late on, but Al Wasl’s organisation and composure saw them hold firm to claim an important three points.
FC Baniyas 1- 1 Al Bataeh (18 January 2026)
The weekend concluded with FC Baniyas and Al Bataeh drawing 1-1, a match defined by late drama.
FC Baniyas struck first through Youssoufou Niakate and looked set to leave with all three points, but Al Bataeh pushed throughout and scored deep into stoppage time to rescue a draw, as Anatole Bertrand levelled the game.
This result would have hurt FC Baniyas, as the team sits at the bottom of the table and is desperate for wins.
Upcoming Fixtures:
- Al-Ittihad Kalba vs. Al Ain
- Al Wadha vs. Dibba
- Al Bataeh vs. Al Jazira
- Al Nasr vs. FC Baniyas
UAE to Participate in the Winter Olympics 2026
The UAE is set to make history by competing in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan this February, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s sporting journey.
Despite its warm climate, the UAE will compete in Alpine skiing, with Alexander Astridge and Piera Hudson representing the country.
The announcement highlights the country’s commitment to expanding its presence across a diverse range of international sporting events.
Participation in the Winter Games not only showcases the progress of Emirati athletes but also reflects the UAE’s ambition to push boundaries and inspire future generations to pursue sporting achievements, regardless of environment or tradition.
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