Dubai International Basketball Championship 35th Opens With Eight Teams Confirmed

The Higher Organising Committee has confirmed the initial line-up for the 35th Dubai International Basketball Championship, scheduled from 23rd January to 1st February at Rashid bin Hamdan Hall, Al Nasr Club in Dubai, underlining the event’s continued role as a central fixture in the regional basketball calendar.

The preliminary roster features eight sides: the UAE National Team, Al Nasr Club, Beirut of Lebanon, Al Karamah and Al Fidaa from Syria, Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya, Zamboanga of the Philippines, and Club Africain of Tunisia. Registration remains open for 48 hours, as several interested clubs have not yet finalised participation procedures.

Abdulatif Nasser Al Fardan explained that the UAE National Team enters the tournament to gain stronger competitive exposure in a FIBA-listed event. The championship sits within the team’s wider preparation plan for the Gulf Games, which are due to take place in Qatar in May.

Over 35 editions, the Dubai International Basketball Championship has grown into one of the region’s longest-running tournaments, with organisers highlighting its technical progress and organisational standards at Arab and regional levels. The event has become closely linked with Dubai’s position as a regional and international sports destination.

The Higher Organising Committee discussed these arrangements during a meeting at the National Olympic Committee headquarters, chaired by Abdulatif Nasser Al Fardan, President of the UAE Basketball Federation and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, with committee members reviewing key operational issues ahead of the 35th edition.

During the same meeting, the Higher Organising Committee approved the formation of several specialised working groups for the Dubai International Basketball Championship. These committees will oversee refereeing, statistics, technical matters, media, public relations, events, and protocol, supporting the overall organisation and delivery of the tournament across all scheduled days.

Operational readiness for the Dubai International Basketball Championship was also reviewed, including reports on Rashid bin Hamdan Hall at Al Nasr Club. The committee examined plans for welcoming teams, transportation schedules, hotel accommodation, and training facilities to ensure suitable technical conditions and reliable organisational support during the tournament period.

Dubai International Basketball Championship support and recognition

The committee chairman extended appreciation to Major General (Ret.) Ismail Al Gergawi, President of the Arab Basketball Federation and former President of the UAE Basketball Federation, recognising an important role in supporting and developing the Dubai International Basketball Championship. The federation has granted Al Gergawi honorary presidency in acknowledgement of long-term contributions to the event.

Al Fardan also highlighted the continuous backing from the Ministry of Sports, the National Olympic Committee and the Dubai Sports Council, stating that this support has helped the Dubai International Basketball Championship maintain stability and progress, and contributed to its status as a notable reference point within UAE basketball activities.

With confirmed teams, expanding interest from additional clubs and detailed organisational planning, the 35th Dubai International Basketball Championship is positioned as a key event on the regional sports schedule, offering competitive preparation for the UAE National Team and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a host for major basketball tournaments in the Arab world.

With inputs from WAM