Dubai Open Basketball Academies Tournament Draws Record Participation and Nurtures Youth Talent

The Dubai Open Basketball Academies Tournament has attracted a record number of participants this year, underscoring the city’s growing commitment to nurturing young athletic talent and strengthening the foundation of community-based sports.

Organized by the Dubai Sports Council in collaboration with the UAE Basketball Federation and operated by Sport 360X and Sports Mania, the tournament has become one of the largest youth basketball events in the country. This year’s edition features 1,764 players representing 92 teams, competing across 301 matches in multiple age categories.

Matches are being held at three main venues — Citizens School, the Swiss International Scientific School, and Al Nasr Club — providing advanced facilities that encourage competitive play and skill development. The event’s format divides participants into two main divisions, covering boys’ and girls’ categories from under-8 to under-19, with a tiered system designed to foster balanced and inclusive competition.

Among the academies and clubs taking part are leading local institutions including Al Nasr, Shabab Al Ahli, JAM Academy, NBA School, Champs, Dubai Basketball Club, The Sports Club Academy, Wildcats, Game Time Sports, Triple Threat, A to Z Academy, Hoopsters, and Twenty4 Basketball Academy.

The tournament aligns with Dubai’s broader sports development goals under the Dubai 2033 strategy, which prioritizes youth engagement, talent identification, and the professional growth of emerging athletes. It serves as a key platform for spotting promising players and preparing them for future participation in local clubs and national teams.

By providing a structured and transparent environment for competition, the Dubai Open Basketball Academies Tournament enables both public and private academies to evaluate and recruit new talent based on performance and potential. The initiative also reflects Dubai’s wider ambition to build a sustainable sports ecosystem that supports young athletes and promotes a culture of healthy competition.