Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Oasis Flag Football Cup, the largest tournament for the sport in the region, is returning for a second staging at Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, from May 9-11.
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 a celebration of community and competition in a sport which is lining up for a debut at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The second 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, the Oasis Cup reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a driving force in the sport's regional rise. With a dynamic lineup of fast-paced matches, the tournament showcases the expanding reach and growing popularity of flag football in the region.
With the weather cooling down a bit, expect more intense action, especially on the weekend. A few matches will be held between 7 pm and midnight on Friday. A full day agenda of matches has been lined up next, with action beginning at 9 am and finishing at 10 pm on Saturday, while the curtains will come down by 4 pm on Sunday.
The event is open to the public and promises an engaging experience for all ages, with exciting matches, fan zones, and a festive atmosphere promised by the organisers.
The Oasis Flag Football Cup is presented by Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions leader, wholly owned by Abu Dhabi's sovereign investor, Mubadala Investment Company. Sanad's continued support for sports development and active community engagement reflects its broader mission to foster health, wellness, and community engagement through sports.
"Through this partnership, we continue to champion the UAE's vision of promoting active lifestyles and inclusive sports participation," said Mansoor Janahi, Sanad's Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer.
The tournament is being conducted by Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company. "Our vision is to create more than just a tournament – we're building a community," said Basma Al Nasr, the ADEC Acting CEO.
"We're proud to see this event become a hub for talent, unity, and high-level competition. As organisers, 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."
