Dubai Basketball Evacuates Amidst Middle East Conflict, Mam Jaiteh Shares Account

Ljubljana, Slovenia – The Dubai Basketball club has safely relocated to Ljubljana, Slovenia, after a period of uncertainty and concern stemming from escalating tensions in the Middle East. The team’s journey comes as Iran launched missiles and drones targeting the United Arab Emirates, most of which were reportedly intercepted. French international and Dubai Basketball center, Mam Jaiteh, detailed the unsettling experience and the club’s swift evacuation.

The situation unfolded rapidly on Saturday, interrupting a day off for the team. Jaiteh explained, “For us, it was a day off… We started to notice things on the news and on social media that something was happening. We heard booms in the sky, wondering if they were explosions, and later learned they were intercepted missiles.” The initial hours were marked by anxiety as the team processed the unfolding events. Jaiteh emphasized the fear and disruption to their routine, noting, “There was worry, fear, the nights were short.”

Fortunately, the club acted quickly to reassure players and initiate evacuation procedures. According to Jaiteh, the club provided reassurance, stating that “everything was going to be alright.” This swift response allowed the team to begin a lengthy journey out of the UAE, ultimately arriving in Ljubljana on Wednesday. The team is currently preparing to continue their EuroLeague season, though the immediate future remains uncertain.

Impact on EuroLeague Playoff Push

Dubai Basketball, in its inaugural EuroLeague season, was making a strong push for a playoff berth. The disruption caused by the conflict has already led to the postponement of their scheduled game against Partizan Belgrade. The EuroLeague has stated it is evaluating options for rescheduling the match, but the broader impact on the club’s season is still unclear. The league is also addressing the situation for other individuals caught in the region, including a Fenerbahçe coach, Sarunas Jasikevicius, and a number of young players participating in a junior tournament in Abu Dhabi that was halted due to the attacks.

This situation highlights the challenges faced by sports organizations operating in regions experiencing geopolitical instability. The safety and well-being of athletes and staff are paramount, and the necessitate for rapid response plans is evident. The interruption to the EuroLeague season also underscores the potential for global events to impact even seemingly distant sporting competitions.

Jaiteh’s Background and Career

Mam Jaiteh, born in Pantin, France, in 1994, has had a distinguished basketball career, playing for numerous clubs across Europe. Currently with Dubai Basketball, he brings a wealth of experience to the team. Prior to joining Dubai, Jaiteh played for AS Monaco, winning the EuroCup championship in 2022 and earning the EuroCup MVP award that same year. His career also includes stints with Virtus Bologna, Avtodor Saratov, and Nanterre 92, among others. He has also represented France in international competition, including the 2015 EuroBasket tournament.

Jaiteh’s journey reflects a career spent navigating the complexities of professional basketball, and now, unexpectedly, geopolitical crises. His ability to adapt and persevere will be crucial as Dubai Basketball attempts to resume its season and continue its playoff pursuit.

Broader Implications for Sport in the Region

The events surrounding Dubai Basketball’s evacuation are not isolated. A youth basketball tournament in Abu Dhabi was also interrupted by Iranian strikes over the weekend, demonstrating the widespread impact of the conflict. This raises serious questions about the feasibility of hosting sporting events in the region and the safety of athletes and spectators. The situation also casts a shadow over Dubai’s ambitions to become a major hub for international sports, as the club was the first from the Gulf to join the EuroLeague this season.

The disruption to air travel, with airspace closures impacting the region, further complicates matters. The ability of teams to travel to and from the UAE is severely restricted, creating logistical nightmares for league organizers. The long-term consequences of these events remain to be seen, but the conflict has introduced a significant level of uncertainty into the sporting landscape of the Middle East.

As of March 5, 2026, the situation remains fluid. Dubai Basketball is focused on regrouping and preparing for the continuation of the EuroLeague season, while closely monitoring developments in the region. The team’s next confirmed checkpoint will be determined by the EuroLeague’s rescheduling of their match against Partizan Belgrade. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress and the evolving situation through official EuroLeague channels and Dubai Basketball’s social media accounts.

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