26 teams in fray as second edition of Oasis Cup to begin on Friday in Abu Dhabi

The Oasis Flag Football Cup, the largest and most anticipated flag football tournament in the region, is officially returning from May 9–11 at Active Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the 2025 tournament continues to grow in scale and reputation, uniting top-tier teams and fans for an electrifying celebration of sport, community, and competition.

This year’s Oasis Cup will welcome 26 elite teams from across the UAE and beyond, more than triple last year’s participation, representing eight countries in a high-energy, three-day tournament. As flag football gains global traction ahead of its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, the Oasis Cup reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a driving force in the sport’s regional rise. With a dynamic line-up of fast-paced matches, the tournament showcases the expanding reach and growing popularity of flag football in the region.

The Oasis Flag Football Cup is proudly presented by Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions leader, wholly owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala). Sanad’s continued support for sports development and active community engagement reflects its broader mission to foster health, wellness, and community engagement through sports.

“Sanad is proud to support the Oasis Flag Football Cup 2025, a vibrant platform that unites athletes and fans from across the region, through the spirit of competition and sportsmanship,” said Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad.

“Through this partnership, we continue to champion the UAE’s vision of promoting active lifestyles and inclusive sports participation. The Oasis Cup goes beyond the field—it is a celebration of community, unity, and the transformative power of sport.”

“Our vision with the Oasis Flag Football Cup is to create more than just a tournament—we’re building a community,” said Basma Abu Al Nasr, Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company. “We’re proud to see this event become a hub for talent, unity, and high-level competition. As organizers, it’s incredibly rewarding to witness how the Oasis Flag Football Cup brings communities together and shines a spotlight on the UAE’s leadership in developing emerging sports.”

The event is open to the public and promises an engaging experience for all ages, with exciting matches, fan zones, and a festive atmosphere that embodies the spirit of modern sport. Whether you're a long-time flag football enthusiast or a newcomer to the game, Oasis Cup 2025 is a must-attend event on the UAE’s sports calendar.

Last year, taking home the championship trophy was Kuwaiti team Al Qadsia, handily toppling Egypt’s Pharaohs 41 – 12 in a high-energy battle. UAE Eagles earned a third place finish by defeating a worthy opponent, Saudi Arabia-based Al-Bahara.