The 2026-2027 season of the Dubai Open for Basketball Academies (DOBA) Championship has officially commenced, marking the third consecutive year of the tournament. Organized by the Dubai Sports Council in partnership with the UAE Basketball Federation, Sports Mania, and Sport360, the event is a key component of the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033. The initiative is designed to identify, nurture, and refine the skills of emerging basketball talent, preparing young athletes for advanced levels of competition. In collaboration with the UAE Basketball Federation and the championship’s operational partners, Sports Mania and Sport360, the championship is part of the ‘Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033’, particularly in focussing on discovering, nurturing and developing sporting talent, organised by the Dubai Sports Council for the third consecutive year. This edition of the tournament features the launch of a number of initiatives and organisational and technical developments.
The competition’s first phase is scheduled to run until December 13, featuring a total of 321 matches. More than 1,800 players are participating, representing 23 different sports entities. Games are being hosted at the Citizen School in Al Satwa and the Al Ittihad Private School in Jumeirah. The diverse lineup of participants includes prominent local clubs such as Al Nasr, Al Wasl, Shabab Al Ahli, Sharjah Club, Sharjah Women’s Club, and Khor Fakkan Club, alongside 17 specialized private academies including the NBA School, JAM Academy, Champs Academy, Dubai Basketball Academy, Starpoint Academy, OBS Academy, Triple Threat, MBBA, Grind Academy, Wildcats, ID Knights Academy, Jazz Academy, Get the Kids Fit Academy, JAM Abu Dhabi, Champs Jebel Ali, Dubai Tribe, and Wise Academy.
A major development for this season is the integration of a dedicated mobile application, the first of its kind for the tournament. The app allows coaches, players, teams, and fans to monitor the league in real time, offering access to match schedules, live score updates, team standings, and individual player statistics, as well as comprehensive photo and video coverage. By providing these digital tools, the league aims to enhance fan engagement and streamline the experience for participants throughout the season.
Technical standards are also being elevated this year with the implementation of updated rules and regulations from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). These changes, coordinated alongside the UAE Basketball Federation, focus on standardizing officiating and match play to ensure all participants are aligned with global athletic benchmarks. This technical upgrade is intended to foster professional growth for referees, coaches, and staff members involved in the championship.
The inclusion of local Emirati clubs alongside private sports academies underscores the event’s broader mission to bolster the basketball ecosystem in the UAE. By facilitating consistent, high-level competition, the organizers aim to create a professional environment that supports the long-term development of national talent. The tournament continues to serve as a vital platform for young athletes to gain competitive experience while contributing to the overall advancement of the sport within the country.
