University of Sharjah retain basketball and volleyball titles at Universities Cup
- Last updated: October 26, 2026 | 10:04
University of Sharjah successfully defended their basketball and volleyball titles at the Universities Cup For Basketball and Volleyball, securing the double for the second consecutive edition in a tournament involving eight universities and higher education institutions across the UAE.
Organised by Sharjah Women’s Sports in collaboration with the American University of Sharjah (AUS), the third edition concluded on Wednesday, October 21.
The tournament ran from October 12 to 21, 2026, amid enthusiastic crowds and spirited competition.
Student attendance and enthusiastic support from the stands were among the tournament’s highlights, reflecting its strategic objective of promoting a sporting culture and engaging the university community in sports events and initiatives. This support enhanced the competitive atmosphere, strengthened students’ connection with their university teams, and broadened interest in sport among male and female students.
The participating institutions were American University of Sharjah, Gulf Medical University, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS Pilani) – Dubai, University of Sharjah, and Emirates Aviation University. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) – Dubai competed in basketball, while Bath Spa University – Ras Al Khaimah participated in volleyball. Each sport featured seven participating institutions.
University of Sharjah claim double once again: In basketball, University of Sharjah retained its title after defeating American University of Sharjah 50–19 in the final. Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai secured third place after beating Gulf Medical University 37–1.
University of Sharjah also retained its volleyball title with a 2–0 victory over American University of Sharjah in the final. Bath Spa University – Ras Al Khaimah claimed third place after defeating BITS Pilani – Dubai 2–0.
The awards ceremony was attended by Moza Al Shamsi, Director of Sharjah Women’s Sports, and Haifa Ismail, Executive Director of Sports, Engagement and Leadership at the American University of Sharjah. The top-placed teams were honored for their results in the tournament.
Turning tournament momentum into lasting participation, says Moza Al Shamsi: Moza Al Shamsi said the tournament’s value extended beyond sporting competition, providing a platform for strengthening interaction within the university community and fostering a culture of sport, participation, and support among male and female students.
She explained that the university community’s presence and support for participating teams helped create an energetic sporting atmosphere and gave students opportunities to discover the sports and activities available to them.
Al Shamsi added that Sharjah Women’s Sports was working with universities to build on this momentum by encouraging more female students to take part in sports activities and turning enthusiasm for the tournament into sustained participation. The aim is to strengthen the role of sport in university life and help students remain active alongside their academic commitments.
Sport strengthens belonging and enriches the university experience: Haifa Ismail, Executive Director of Sports, Engagement and Leadership at the American University of Sharjah, said: “The value of the Universities Cup lies in the opportunities it provides for female students. It gives them a platform to represent their universities and showcase their abilities, while building confidence through competition and teamwork.
“We are working with Sharjah Women’s Sports to ensure the tournament’s impact continues beyond the final whistle by making sport a lasting part of university life and encouraging sustained participation that supports students’ academic and personal ambitions.”
The Universities Cup For Basketball and Volleyball forms part of Sharjah Women’s Sports’ efforts to strengthen collaboration with higher education institutions and provide female students with regular opportunities to participate and compete. The aim is to establish sport as a way of life that continues beyond the tournament.