Third Fatima bint Mubarak Academy Basketball Cup for Ladies 2026 Gets Underway in Abu Dhabi

Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation “Mother of the Nation,” and under the directives of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, and Chairwoman of Abu Dhabi Ladies Club and Al Ain Ladies Club, the third edition of the Fatima bint Mubarak Academy Women’s Basketball Cup 2026 got underway yesterday in Abu Dhabi.

The tournament is being held at the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy from 27 to 31 August, bringing together seven teams from the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Egypt.

This year’s edition coincides with Emirati Women’s Day, highlighting the achievements of Emirati women and the continued support for women’s participation across various sectors, including sport.

The tournament is being held in conjunction with this year’s Emirati Women’s Day slogan, “We Emerge Stronger and Better”, reflecting the continued progress and achievements of Emirati women. The competition provides female basketball players with an opportunity to compete, gain experience and develop their skills.

The tournament also brings together teams from across the region, giving players the opportunity to compete against different opponents and experience varied styles of play in an official tournament setting.

The tournament began with an opening ceremony held at the headquarters of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, featuring a number of segments. The ceremony was attended by a number of officials, representatives of sports bodies and heads of delegation from the participating clubs.

Seven teams are taking part in the tournament: the Fatima bint Mubarak Academy Basketball Team from the UAE, Al Gharafa from Qatar, Salwa Al Sabah and Al-Oyoun Women’s from Kuwait, Salalah from Oman, Al-Muqawileen Club from Jordan, and 6th of October from Egypt.

The tournament kicked off with three matches. Kuwait’s Al-Oyoun Women’s secured a 70–34 victory over Jordan’s Al-Moqawileen Club, while Qatar’s Al Gharafa recorded an 82–36 win over Oman’s Salalah. In the third match, Egypt’s 6th of October Club defeated Kuwait’s Salwa Al Sabah 87–60.

Commenting on the launch of the tournament, H.E. Dr. Omnia Al Hajri, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, said: “The third edition of this tournament holds particular significance as it coincides with Emirati Women’s Day, an occasion on which we reflect on the support Emirati women continue to receive from our wise leadership and the pivotal role played by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, in supporting and empowering women across various fields.

For more information about the academy on their website below: https://www.fbma.ae/en/about-us/

“In the sports sector, we continue to create opportunities that enable female athletes to compete and develop their skills. This year’s slogan, ‘We Emerge Stronger and Better’, reflects the ambition of Emirati women to continue progressing and achieving more, while this tournament provides basketball players with an opportunity to compete against teams from across the region and exchange experiences.”

The tournament forms part of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy’s efforts to support women’s sport and provide more opportunities for female athletes to compete and develop. Through hosting regional tournaments, the Academy continues to bring together teams from the UAE and beyond, contributing to the growth of women’s sport in the region.