Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development, is set to host the 2nd GCC Women's Sports Tournament for Universities and Higher Education Institutions from February 6 to 11, 2026.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event is sponsored by the Ministry of Sports and Youth and marks the first time the tournament will be held in the State of Qatar. The gathering aims to bolster cooperation among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and contribute to the regional development of women's university sports.
HBKU is facilitating this event as part of its commitment to regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and collaborative partnerships among universities and higher education institutions across the GCC. By utilizing its world-class infrastructure, the tournament supports the University's academic mission beyond traditional classroom settings, emphasizing student development and well-being as integral aspects of higher education.
The tournament will be held across seven venues, six located within Education City and one at Qatar University. The opening ceremony is scheduled for February 7, 2026, at Al Shaqab's Longine Indoor Arena. Approximately 450 female students from 16 regional universities and higher education institutions will compete in eight sports: football, volleyball, basketball, padel, table tennis, badminton, athletics, and fencing, which will be featured for the first time.
The draw ceremony for the tournament is set for January 28 at Education City Stadium, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It will be attended by heads of the technical committees from relevant federations, representatives from participating universities, and members of the supervisory committee.
Dr. Maryam Hamad Al Mannai, Vice President for Student Affairs at HBKU and Chair of the tournament's Supreme Organizing Committee, remarked that hosting the event aligns with the University's academic and societal mission. She emphasized that it is not just a sporting event but a comprehensive experience merging sport, education, and culture, showcasing the role of women in society. Dr. Al Mannai also noted the collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure a successful tournament that promotes women's university sports.
The tournament champions the values of teamwork, integrity, and resilience, and aims to enhance women's participation in sport, serving as a catalyst for human development and social progress.