Baseball United reveal Dubai, Abu Dhabi franchises

The first-ever professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent has revealed the official names and branding of its Dubai and Abu Dhabi franchises.

Baseball United's two new franchises will be called the Dubai Wolves and the Abu Dhabi Falcons.

These two teams are the first-ever professional baseball franchises in the GCC region. They will compete against the Mumbai Cobras and the Karachi Monarchs in the league’s Dubai Showcase this November at Dubai International Stadium.

“This is a historic day for our organization, for baseball, and for the UAE,” said Kash Shaikh, President, CEO, Chairman of the Board, and Majority Owner of Baseball United.

“We are so grateful and proud of these two milestone franchises that we now get to share with our fans across the UAE. The Dubai Wolves and Abu Dhabi Falcons will be iconic brands that inspire millions of people here in this great nation, and all across the world.”

The Dubai Wolves brand marks centre on the iconic Dubai “D”, as well as a wolf visage that pays homage to the Arabian Wolf that once roamed the Liwa Desert in vast numbers.

The Wolves name honours Dubai’s adaptation from vast, empty desert, to thriving, urban metropolis. Guarding its history while guiding its growth, the symbolism of the wolf speaks to how far Dubai has come, in such a short time.

The Abu Dhabi brand marks include a stylized “AD” monogram, as well as the profile view of a peregrine falcon, the national bird of the UAE.

The Falcons name speaks to the history and heritage of Abu Dhabi - the nation’s capital - and captures the city’s inspiring combinations: strength and beauty, vision and tradition, gravity and grace.

We just launched the first-ever professional baseball franchises in the history of the GCC region!! @BaseballUnited

The @dxbwolves and the @abdfalcons!!

So much more to share from our launch event, but wanted to give you all a quick peek!🙏⚾️⛏️❤️ #dubai #abudhabi pic.twitter.com/iNMfhwddR8

— Kash Shaikh (@Kash_Shaikh) August 3, 2023

These new franchises are announced on the heels of the league's historic partnership with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), which awarded Baseball United a 15-year term to host its league in the UAE, as well as gave the rights to both the Dubai and Abu Dhabi franchises.

Baseball United will be working closely with the ECB to bring the worlds of bat and ball sports together in two of the world’s most sports-focused cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“The partnerships that we continue to forge here in the UAE have given us the momentum and support necessary to build this league the right way,” said John Miedreich, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations, Vice Chairman of the Board, and Co-Owner, Baseball United. 

Baseball United partnered with US-based creative agency, BSB International, on the brand development and design for each franchise.

The Dubai colours will be red, white, and black. Abu Dhabi’s colours are white, gray, and teal.

WELCOME DUBAI @dxbwolves https://t.co/pPSDJ790i6

— Baseball United (@BaseballUnited) August 3, 2023

WELCOME ABU DHABI! @abdfalcons https://t.co/QLEk6VuuYg

— Baseball United (@BaseballUnited) August 3, 2023