The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) is set to host the third Gulf Universities Championship (GUC) from 29 to 31 October 2026, bringing together approximately 350 student-athletes and 24 university teams from across the Gulf region for three days of regional sporting competition.
The championship details were announced at a UDST press conference, featuring a welcome note from the President, and a presentation from Mr. Hamad Alkuwari, Director of the Sport & Wellness Directorate, showcasing participating universities, logistics and preparations.
Commenting on the University’s hosting of the Championship, Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, President of UDST, said:
“ We are proud to host the Gulf Universities Championship, in line with Qatar’s National Sports Policy and to welcome student-athletes from across the Gulf to Doha. University sport shapes leaders with teamwork, discipline and resilience, and strengthens the bonds among the region’s youth. We look forward to a championship that reflects the ambition of a Gulf generation striving for excellence on and off the field.”
Mr. Hamad Alkuwari, Director of Sport & Wellness Directorate at UDST, added:
“The Championship is an opportunity to celebrate the talent, dedication and sportsmanship of university athletes. Our focus is on creating an engaging and welcoming environment where participants can compete, connect and learn from one another. We look forward to seeing the spirit of university sport come to life throughout the Championship.”
Hosted at the UDST campus, the championship will feature futsal, basketball and volleyball for males, and volleyball for females. Competitions will take place from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The championship will provide university athletes with an opportunity to showcase their sporting talent, compete at a regional level and represent their institutions, while exchanging experiences with students from universities across the Gulf.
The championship also highlights the important role of university sport in enriching student life and developing skills that extend beyond academic achievement. Hosting the championship reflects UDST’s role in supporting Qatar’s National Sports Policy which highlights sport as a key contributor to sustainable development and considers the education sector an essential partner in building a sports-oriented society, as well as hosting local, regional, and international university championships
The championship also supports the objectives of UDST’s Wellness Strategy 2025–2027, which takes a holistic approach to the wellbeing of the University community across eight dimensions: physical, mental, social, occupational, environmental, financial, spiritual and cultural. Through initiatives and activities that promote awareness and healthy practices, the strategy supports a more holistic university experience.
By hosting the championship, UDST continues to provide an environment that brings together academic excellence, sport, health and wellbeing.
UDST has university sports teams that compete across various sports, striving for excellence and maintaining a strong presence in local and international competitions. Recently, the University’s teams have participated in several international championships, achieving notable results and winning numerous medals, particularly in swimming, futsal, and badminton, alongside other team sports. These achievements reflect the diverse athletic talents of UDST students.
At the regional level, UDST sports teams achieved notable results at the 2nd Gulf Universities Championship, securing several silver and bronze medals.
The University’s teams also excelled at the World InterUniversities Championships (WIUC), held in Barcelona in 2025, winning three gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal. These achievements highlight the teams’ competitive spirit and their ability to succeed in the international university sports stage.
