The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) hosted the third edition of the Gulf Universities Championship (GUC) for the first time in Qatar, marking a milestone in the development of university sports across the Gulf region. The event, held under the auspices of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), took place on the UDST campus and featured competitions across four sports disciplines.
Building on the previous two tournaments organized in Kuwait, this year’s championship expanded its scale, featuring nine universities and 20 teams competing in men’s futsal, men’s volleyball, women’s volleyball, and men’s basketball. Notably, the championship introduced a women’s volleyball competition for the first time, with five teams participating. This addition underscores a growing commitment to gender inclusivity in regional university athletics.
The matches were conducted at three venues within UDST, creating a comprehensive setting for athletes to engage in high-level competition. The event brought together student-athletes from across participating Gulf universities, fostering both sporting excellence and regional collaboration.
Dr. Salem Al Naemi, president of UDST, highlighted the significance of hosting the championship in Qatar, emphasizing the university’s dedication to promoting sports as an integral part of student development beyond academic pursuits. “Hosting the Gulf Universities Championship for the first time in Qatar reflects our commitment to advancing university sport and creating opportunities for students to excel beyond the classroom,” he said.
Hamad Alkuwari, director of the Sport & Wellness Directorate at UDST, echoed the importance of the event in providing a platform for athletes to compete and develop their skills. He also noted that staging the tournament at UDST signals Qatar’s readiness to support the expansion of university sports within the country and the wider Gulf region.
The championship received support from a range of partners, including Qatar Airways, Rayyan Water, and Baladna, alongside backing from governmental and sports federations such as the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation, the Qatar Basketball Federation, the Qatar Football Association, the Qatar Volleyball Federation, and The Torch Hotel.
Running on October 31, the third Gulf Universities Championship offered a dynamic showcase of teamwork and athletic achievement, embodying regional cooperation in the pursuit of expanding competitive university sports.