The 2026 Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy Volleyball Cup officially commenced in Abu Dhabi on Friday. The tournament is 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, known as the “Mother of the Nation.” The event also operates 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.
Six teams are participating in the competition, representing five nations: the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy Volleyball Team (UAE), Salwa Al Sabah (Kuwait), Wadi Finan (Jordan), 6th of October Club and Smouha Club (Egypt), and the Police Club (Syria). The tournament began with an opening ceremony at the academy’s headquarters, which included various sporting and entertainment segments to mark the start of the event.
Competitive action began at 7:30 p.m. with the host team, the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy, securing a 3-0 victory over Jordan’s Wadi Finan. In the second match of the evening, Egypt’s 6th of October Club also claimed a 3-0 win against Syria’s Al Shorta, setting a high competitive tone for the opening day.
Dr. Omniyat Al Hajri, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, emphasized the significance of the event, stating that hosting the tournament reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier hub for women’s sports in the region. She noted that the academy remains dedicated to providing female athletes with platforms for growth, allowing Emirati players to gain essential experience by competing against diverse Arab teams and exchanging technical expertise to elevate the standard of women’s volleyball in the UAE.
This five-day tournament aligns with the academy’s broader vision to foster a supportive sporting environment and expand competitive opportunities for women. The event will continue through the preliminary rounds and semi-finals, ultimately concluding on August 24 with the final match and an official awards ceremony to crown the tournament champion.
