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The 34-year-old Real Madrid star has deep ties to the Middle East and Dubai, having spent considerable time in the region
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Karim Benzema. – Twitter
As Karim Benzema revelled in the glory of winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or, football fans in the Middle East and Dubai especially raised their glasses to the Frenchman.
The 34-year-old Real Madrid star has deep ties to the Middle East and Dubai, where he has spent considerable time.
Benzema loves the Dubai skyline. – Dubai Media Office Twitter
Benzema, of Algerian descent, is a devout Muslim who visited Saudi Arabia in 2016 and performed the Umrah in Mecca.
Karim Benzema. – Twitter
Benzema, who has won a jaw-dropping 23 trophies with the Blancos, including four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey and five Champions Leagues, is also a regular in Dubai, where he holidayed during the off-season. And also met Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
During his stay in Dubai, Benzema also supported various social and community initiatives. In 2020, when Covid was at its peak, all Muslims in the UAE and around the world came together to stay safe during the pandemic and urged them to take care of their loved ones.
“Salaam Alaikum, it’s Karim Benzema,” the striker, wearing an arab kandura, said in a video message at the time as part of the Dubai Sports Council’s (DSC) “Health, Safety” campaign.
Karim Benzema at the “Healthy, Safe” event. — screenshot
Benzema, a devout Muslim who observes fasting during Ramadan, added: “I have a message during Ramadan to all my friends in the UAE and all Muslims around the world. This time is tough for everyone. Those infected by the coronavirus. So we need to continue to help each other during this crisis. Stay safe and take care of you and your loved ones. God bless everyone. Love.”
In the same year, Benzema also received the “First Line of Defense Medal” from the Dubai Sports Council. He was awarded the medal for his efforts to support community initiatives launched by DSC during the “Health and Safety” campaign.
Benzema received the “First Line of Defense Medal”. – Twitter
Back in 2015, Benzema enjoyed an adrenaline rush and great views while skydiving in Dubai. The star has been seen many times on popular landmarks in Dubai.
Benzema skydives in Dubai. – Twitter
In April of this year, Benzema and the UAE women’s team player Nuf Aranzi jointly displayed the official match ball of the 2022 World Cup – Al-Rihla. An image of him holding the game ball was projected on the Burj Khalifa.
Benzema with Al Rihla, the official match ball for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. – Twitter
“The World Cup is the beginning of everything, the beginning of new beginnings, new possibilities and new memories. This is Al-Rihla inspired by the Arab world,” Benzema said.
In July, the Frenchman visited the Dubai Police Club with his son. He met his fans and signed T-shirts and took pictures.
Benzema poses in front of a Dubai police car. – Dubai Media Office Twitter
In June 2017, Benzema competed in the Nad Al Sheba Sports Championship and poses in front of a Dubai police car.
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