Launching the inaugural edition of the 1st Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy GCC Basketball Cup for Ladies

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 the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Chairwoman of Abu Dhabi ladies Club and Al Ain Ladies Club. the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy announced the inaugural edition of the 1st Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy GCC Basketball Cup for Ladies. The tournament will take place in Abu Dhabi from August 22-26, 2024. This announcement was made during a press conference held today, August 15, 2024, at the academy's headquarters, attended by His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, Board Member of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Hamdan Al Zaabi, Board Member of the UAE Basketball Association, Fatima Al Ameri, representative of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, and several distinguished guests.

Four teams are set to participate in this much-anticipated event, which coincides with Emirati Women's Day celebrations. Representing the UAE is the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy basketball team, while Kuwait will be represented by "Al-Qurain," Oman by "Salalah Club," and Qatar by "Al-Gharafa Club."

His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, Board Member of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, stated: "The significant support from the UAE and the keen interest of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, President of Abu Dhabi Ladies Club, and President of Al Ain Ladies Club, towards Emirati women in all sports, has paved the way for the launch of the first edition of the 1st Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy GCC Basketball Cup for Ladies in Abu Dhabi. The capital has always been a magnet for top-tier international events and championships. The Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy has consistently proven its capability to host such significant sporting events and we wish all teams the best of luck."

He continued, "The 1st Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy GCC Basketball Cup for Ladies is a valuable addition to the academy team's schedule and its preparation for the new season. The results of this dedicated support are evident, particularly after the team's victory in the national league last season. This Gulf gathering will allow teams to engage, exchange experiences, and contribute to the overall development of women's sports locally and across the Gulf."

On the organizational and technical aspects, Fatima Al Ameri, representative of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, stated, "We are proud to announce the 1st Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy GCC Basketball Cup for Ladies, which will be held at the academy's headquarters. This is the first Gulf tournament to be organized at our new facility, which was inaugurated with the highest standards of safety, security, and privacy, particularly for women athletes. We welcome our Gulf neighbors to the UAE, their second home. Our academy team is ready to participate and compete in this tournament, in coordination with the UAE Basketball Federation, to prepare Emirati players for the national team, which is one of our primary goals in supporting the national teams for upcoming challenges."

Hamdan Al Zaabi, Board Member of the UAE Basketball Association, added "We are pleased to be part of the launch of the 1st Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy GCC Basketball Cup for Ladies, and we hope that the tournament will be a great success for all teams and participating players. At the UAE Basketball Federation, we are committed to providing full support to the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and other sports institutions to organize basketball tournaments. We will continue to work closely with the academy to ensure the success of this tournament and present it in the best possible light."

The 1st Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy GCC Basketball Cup for Ladies will feature four teams divided into two groups. The qualification rounds will take place from August 22 to 24, followed by the semi-finals and final matches on August 25 and 26. The games will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.