The 2026 Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy Volleyball Cup officially kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Friday, 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 is also held 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 and Al Ain Ladies Clubs.
The tournament features six participating teams: the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy Volleyball Team representing the UAE, Kuwait’s Salwa Al Sabah, Jordan’s Wadi Finan, Egypt’s 6th of October Club and Smouha Club, and Syria’s Police Club. The opening ceremony, hosted at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy headquarters, showcased a variety of sporting and entertainment performances to mark the start of the competition.
Action on the court began at 7:30 p.m. with the host team, the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy, securing a decisive 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 Police Club, setting a competitive tone for the remainder of the tournament.
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 such tournaments reinforces Abu Dhabi’s status as a regional hub for women’s sports. She noted that the academy remains dedicated to providing female athletes with platforms to compete, gain technical expertise, and face diverse Arab teams to elevate the standard of women’s volleyball within the UAE.
This five-day competition aligns with the Academy’s broader vision to foster a supportive sporting environment and expand competitive opportunities for female athletes. Following the preliminary rounds and semi-finals, the tournament will conclude on August 24 with the final match and an official awards ceremony to crown the champion.