24 September 2025

The Second Edition of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy GCC Basketball Cup for Ladies 2025 Kicks Off in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, 24 September 2025:
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 the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club and Al Ain Ladies Club, the second edition of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy GCC Basketball Cup for Ladies 2025 officially commenced today at Al Jazira Club in Abu Dhabi. The tournament will run from 24 to 27 September, with the participation of four prominent GCC teams.

The championship opened with a special ceremony that included performances and activities reflecting the unity of the Gulf community and celebrating the UAE’s efforts in empowering women in sports and strengthening their role across different fields. The opening was attended by H.E. Major General Ismail Abdullah Al Gergawi, President of the Arab Basketball Federation; H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri is the Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Sports; H.E. Salem Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the UAE Basketball Federation; H.E. Hamdan Al Zaabi, Board Member and Deputy Secretary General of the UAE Basketball Federation and Chairman of the 3x3 Committee; and Mr. Saqr Al Maskari, CEO of Baniyas Football Company, along with a number of distinguished guests who underlined the importance of this championship as a leading platform for women’s sports in the GCC.

The competition tipped off with Kuwait’s Al Fatat Sports Club defeating Qatar’s Al Adaam team with a score of 81–64, while Oman’s Woman's Club for Sports and Culture Creativity secured a victory over the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy Basketball team with a score of 62–39. These opening matches set a strong tone for the tournament, reflecting the high technical level and strong preparations of the participating teams.

The championship features four GCC teams: the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy Basketball Team from the UAE, Al Fatat Sports Club from Kuwait, Al Adaam from Qatar, and the Woman's Club for Sports and Culture Creativity Sultanate of Oman. This participation reflects the spirit of solidarity and cooperation among GCC teams and adds significant value to the development and competitiveness of women’s sports in the region.

On this occasion, H.E. Dr. Omniyat Al Hajri, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, stressed that the tournament is more than just a competition. She stated that it serves as a true school for refining players’ skills, instilling sportsmanship, respect, and cooperation. She added that the enthusiasm and interaction witnessed at the opening reflect the growing stature of women’s basketball in the GCC.

The tournament will continue over four days, culminating in the final match and official awarding ceremony on 27 September, with a large turnout of fans and media expected, further strengthening its status as one of the most prominent women’s sporting events on the GCC calendar.

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