UDST opens 3rd GUC, held for the first time in Qatar

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 30, 2026

The University of Doha for Science and Technology hosted the third Gulf Universities Championship for the first time in Qatar, featuring nine universities competing across men’s futsal, men’s and women’s volleyball, and men’s basketball. The event’s expansion, including the debut of women’s volleyball, highlights growing support for inclusive university sports and regional collaboration in the Gulf.

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) launched the third Gulf Universities Championship (GUC) on October 29, marking the first occasion the regional tournament has been hosted in Qatar. This event is held under the patronage of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and aims to promote university sports across the Gulf region by bringing together university teams to compete in multiple disciplines.

Following the previous two editions held in Kuwait, this tournament has expanded in scale, featuring nine universities and 20 teams. The championship now includes competition in men’s futsal, men’s volleyball, women’s volleyball, and men’s basketball, with matches taking place at three venues across the UDST campus.

A notable feature of this year’s championship is the introduction of women’s volleyball, with five teams participating. This addition reflects an increasing emphasis on providing inclusive sporting opportunities for female athletes within university settings in the Gulf.

Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, president of UDST, highlighted the significance of hosting the event in Qatar for the first time. He emphasized the university’s dedication to advancing sports activities alongside academics and fostering an environment where students can excel through healthy competition. Dr. Al-Naemi also noted the role of the championship in strengthening ties between universities across the region and supporting the cultivation of future regional leaders.

Echoing this perspective, Hamad Alkuwari, director of the Sport & Wellness Directorate at UDST, described the expanding participation and introduction of new sports as important milestones for the championship. He said the university is committed to creating opportunities for athletes to develop their skills and build connections with peers while demonstrating Qatar’s readiness to contribute to the growth of university sports within the Gulf.

The championship is supported by Qatar Airways, Rayyan Water, and Baladna, with further backing from the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation, Qatar Basketball Federation, Qatar Football Association, Qatar Volleyball Federation, and The Torch Hotel. The event is scheduled to continue through October 31.

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