The UAE national baseball team is officially a reality — and the country is wasting no time making its mark on the sport. Assembled ahead of the inaugural Arab Classic tournament, the team represents a landmark moment for baseball in the Middle East and South Asia.
UAE Forms Its First National Baseball Team
Sports lovers in the UAE have reason to celebrate: the country has established its first-ever national baseball team. The announcement follows Dubai's ambitious plan to construct the region's first professional baseball field and ballpark at The Sevens sports and entertainment complex on Al Ain Road.
The ballpark is historic in its own right — the first professional baseball facility not only in the UAE, but across the GCC and the broader Middle East and South Asia, with field dimensions modelled after the iconic Yankee Stadium.
Arab Classic 2024: Eight Nations Compete in Dubai
The UAE national baseball team will make its international debut at the Baseball United Arab Classic, running from November 7–10, 2024, in Dubai. The tournament is the largest national baseball competition ever held in the region, with eight participating nations including India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and host nation UAE.
The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) officially sanctioned Baseball United to manage the UAE's national baseball programme and institute a development pathway for the sport nationwide.
Hall of Fame Manager Eddie Diaz Named Head Coach
Leading the charge is Eddie Diaz, a Hall of Fame baseball manager with more than 40 years of professional experience. Diaz previously guided the Yaquis de Obregón to three consecutive Mexican Pacific League championships and is the franchise's all-time winningest manager. He was inducted into the Yaquis' Hall of Fame in 2022 and earned two Caribbean Series titles.
Diaz also played Minor League Baseball with the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, and Cleveland Indians, and spent over a decade as a Major League Baseball scout before transitioning into management.
Kash Shaikh, Chairman and CEO of Baseball United, expressed full confidence in the appointment: "We are honoured and excited to appoint a leader with Eddie's character and pedigree. He is a great person and a strong motivator who genuinely cares about people."
Diaz himself welcomed the role with enthusiasm: "I'm very thankful to Kash and John for giving me this historic opportunity. I'm committed to growing baseball in this region with deep passion."
A Historic Moment for Baseball in the Middle East
Baseball United's new ballpark at The Sevens is the only professional baseball facility within 10,000 kilometres of Dubai — underlining just how significant this development is for the region. With a world-class venue, a storied head coach, and ECB backing, the UAE national baseball team is entering uncharted territory with serious intent.
The Arab Classic marks the beginning of what Baseball United hopes will be a sustained, growing presence for the sport across the Middle East and South Asia.
