Under the patronage of the Ministry of Sports, the UAE Committee for Talent and Sports Support (UAETSS) announced the launch of the ‘UAE Communities Basketball Championship (UCBC)’, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, the UAE Basketball Association, and Champs Sports club from May 15 to June 12, 2026, at ‘Champs’ courts in Dubai. The initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening community sports by implementing unique initiatives that engage diverse communities across the UAE.
The UCBC will convene 12 teams representing the UAE’s diverse expatriate population in an inclusive and interactive sports setting. Countries set to participate alongside the UAE team are Egypt, the Philippines, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Turkey, Spain, Senegal, China, Uzbekistan, and the North America team, highlighting the rich social diversity that characterises the UAE.
H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports and Chairman of UAETSS, stated that the ‘UAE Communities Basketball Championship’ reflects the broader national vision to expand sports participation across all segments of society and strengthen the role of sports in bringing people together.
His Excellency said: “At the Ministry of Sports, we strive to introduce innovative ventures, positioning sports as a key soft power that unites communities across the UAE. In this regard, the UCBC represents an exemplary model in reinforcing values of safety, cohesion, cultural diversity, openness, and coexistence through an interactive experience that encourages individuals to adopt an active lifestyle, supporting the goals of the National Sports Strategy – 2031.”
For his part, His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, reaffirmed that Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a leading city that promotes sports as a sustainable way of life, transforming physical activity into a daily practice that improves quality of life and instils positive energy.
H.E. Hareb said: “Under the guidance and forward-looking vision of our wise leadership, sports in Dubai have become a core component of health and a pivotal tool for fostering communication among more than 200 nationalities living in harmony, contributing to reinforcing social cohesion.”
H.E. Hareb added: “The Dubai Sports Council has demonstrated a robust commitment to supporting events that further reinforce Dubai’s position as a permanent and preferred global destination for sports and athletes, aligning with the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, which seeks to boost community participation and nurture athletic talent. This tournament represents a valuable addition to our annual agenda, especially through its cultural dimensions and positive role in promoting interaction among different communities, contributing to greater social cohesion through interactive sporting activities.”
A tournament draw was held ahead of the championship, segregating the teams into three groups. Group A includes Palestine, the Philippines, Egypt, and Turkey. Group B includes the UAE, China, Lebanon, and Syria. Group C includes Spain, Senegal, North America, and Uzbekistan. This is to facilitate balanced and fair competition, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
The total prize pool is up to AED 130,000, making it one of the most significant community sports events in the country in terms of financial value. AED 50,000 is allocated as audience prizes, to be distributed throughout the tournament, nurturing an interactive atmosphere that encourages attendance and participation, particularly among families, in support of the ‘Year of Family’ initiative.
The UCBC will commence on May 15, with group stage matches set to be held daily in the evenings. Teams will then advance to the knockout rounds – quarterfinals on June 4 and 5, semifinals on June 8, and finals on June 12. The finals will be preceded by a special ‘All Stars’ game featuring standout players from all participating continents.
The ‘All Stars’ games is one of the tournament’s most anticipated events. Four teams will be formed as part of this, each representing one of the four continents participating in the championship, with top players to be selected from each. These celebratory matches offer a first-of-its-kind sports experience in the UAE.