Doha: The Gulf basketball federations have unanimously agreed to extend full support to Qatar and the Qatar Basketball Federation in hosting the 20th edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027. This landmark event will be held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region, from August 27 to September 12, 2027.
According to Qatar News Agency, the heads of the Gulf basketball federations have expressed their confidence in Qatar's ability to organize the tournament successfully. This commitment was made during a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Basketball Association and a consultative meeting of the heads of the Gulf federations, attended by HE President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al-Thani. The meetings were organized by the Qatar Basketball Federation in Doha.
The meeting of the Gulf Basketball Association's Board of Directors also discussed the cooperation among Gulf federations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. This includes the exchange of expertise, training programs, technical cooperation through joint camps, friendly matches, and development programs for referees, statisticians, and coaches. Workshops and courses will be organized to introduce new members of the Gulf federations to the principles of effective governance and the practical applications of FIBA's rules and regulations.
The meeting also focused on key topics representing the Association's plans for the coming year. Prominent among these was the approval of the Gulf basketball championships agenda for the 2025-2026 season. Qatar will host the Gulf 3x3 Championship for under-21 and the Gulf U-18 youth basketball championship next year. Bahrain will host the Gulf 3x3 Championship for U-21 boys and girls on November 19 and 20 this year, while the Gulf Women's Championship will take place in Saudi Arabia during the same month. The Gulf 3x3 Championship for men will be held in Oman on November 28 and 29 this year. Additionally, Abu Dhabi, UAE, will host the Fatima Bint Mubarak Gulf Academy Women's Cup next year, and Oman will host the Gulf 3x3 Championship for men and the Gulf Women's Championship next year.
Further, the Gulf federation received a request from Oman to create and organize a U-14 tournament for girls, while Bahrain has requested to host the Gulf 5x5 Championship for men. The meetings were attended by various officials, including the President of the Qatar and Gulf basketball federations Mohammed Saad Al Mughaiseeb, FIBA Executive Director Hagop Khajirian, Secretary-General of the Gulf federation and Qatar Basketball Federation Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, and the heads of the Gulf federations.
Al Mughaiseeb emphasized that the meetings aim to enhance cooperation between the Gulf federations and develop basketball at all levels. He expressed pride in the role played by Qatar in organizing Gulf championships and supporting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, noting it as a significant milestone for the sport internationally. He also pointed out the importance of coordinating the dates of the Gulf championships to avoid conflicts with student player exams and to provide a suitable environment for young players to balance study and sports.