By Rafiq Vayani
ABU DHABI: Kuwait’s Al-Oyoun Women’s were crowned champions of the third edition of Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy Basketball Cup For Ladies 2026, following five days of competition at Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy in Abu Dhabi. Al Gharafa from Qatar were runners-up, while Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy Basketball Team from the UAE finished third.
Held 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 Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, and Chairwoman of Abu Dhabi Ladies Club and Al Ain Ladies Club.
The tournament coincided with Emirati Women’s Day, held this year under the slogan “We Emerge Stronger and Better”, highlighting the UAE’s continued support for women and their participation across different fields. Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation”, has played a leading role in advancing opportunities for Emirati women, including in sport.
Seven teams from six countries competed: Fatima bint Mubarak Academy 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.
At the conclusion of the competition, the top three teams received their awards from H.E. Major General Ismail Abdullah Al Gergawi, President of the Arab Basketball Federation; Hamda Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Strategic Affairs Sector at Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Shamsa Saif Al Hanaee, Board Member of Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy; Salem Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of the UAE Basketball Federation; and Khalid Al Suwaidi, Representative of the Presidential Court.
H.E. Dr. Omniyat Al Hajri, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy said: “We congratulate Al-Oyoun Women’s on winning the third edition of the tournament and commend all the participating teams for their performances throughout the competition. Holding the event alongside Emirati Women’s Day gave this edition added significance. The slogan ‘We Emerge Stronger and Better’ reflects the ambition to continue moving forward, while bringing teams together from across the region gives players the chance to compete against different opponents, gain experience and raise their level.”
The five-day tournament brought together teams and players from across the region in Abu Dhabi, reflecting the growing profile of women’s basketball at the regional level.