Sanad Oasis Flag Football Cup 2025

In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, regional unity, and community celebration, the Sanad Oasis Flag Football Cup 2025 concluded at Active Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi after three vibrant days filled with elite-level matches, enthusiastic participation, and festive energy. Known as the largest flag football event in the Middle East, this year’s tournament attracted significant attention not only for its scale but for the depth of engagement it achieved across different age groups and nations. Featuring 390 athletes from 26 teams representing eight countries, the tournament reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s fast-growing role as a central hub for this fast-paced, strategic sport. The event combined world-class gameplay, community-building activities, and the region’s continued commitment to the promotion of inclusive, emerging sports.

A Celebration of Regional Talent and Sportsmanship

The Sanad Oasis Flag Football Cup did more than just bring athletes together—it fostered regional pride and created an electrifying environment where competition met camaraderie. The presence of distinguished personalities such as Mishaal Talal Al-Fahad Al Sabah, former Vice President of the Asian Federation, and Mahdi Al Mutairi, President of the Kuwaiti Committee for American Football, highlighted the tournament’s growing prestige. Their attendance, along with industry leaders and community advocates, added gravitas to the event and helped strengthen the cross-Gulf relationships that are vital for the development of emerging sports in the region.

Adding a strong local dimension to the international stage was Ebraheem Budebs, Group Head of Human Resources at Sanad, who voiced strong support for youth development and community engagement through flag football. His endorsement highlighted the corporate commitment to social responsibility through sports. In parallel, Basma Abu Al Nasr, Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company, emphasized the importance of sport as a vehicle for regional talent development and cultural exchange.

Strategic Positioning Ahead of Olympic Inclusion

Flag football’s rise in popularity has been meteoric, and the Sanad Oasis Flag Football Cup has aligned itself with the sport’s global trajectory. With flag football set to debut in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, the timing of this tournament couldn’t have been more significant. The event provided not just a competitive platform for regional teams but also a preparatory stage for athletes and federations eyeing Olympic inclusion. By showcasing high-level competition and organizational sophistication, the tournament demonstrated the Middle East’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to the sport on the global stage.

In fact, this positioning plays directly into Abu Dhabi’s long-term sports development strategy, which includes investment in diverse sporting disciplines, grassroots talent cultivation, and the creation of infrastructure that supports international-standard events. The Sanad Oasis Flag Football Cup has quickly become one of the key components in this holistic approach to sports ecosystem development.

Fierce Competition Across Five Distinct Divisions

The structure of the 2025 Oasis Cup was meticulously designed to allow fair, competitive, and exhilarating play across different age groups and skill levels. The competition was split into five major divisions: Men’s, Women’s, Varsity, Bantam, and Peewee, each delivering high-energy matches and standout performances.

In the Men’s division, it was the Ninjas from Dubai who ultimately triumphed, showcasing a high level of tactical gameplay and athleticism. Their championship victory was hard-fought, with Georgia taking second place and Ambush from Abu Dhabi rounding out the top three.

The Women’s division was a celebration of grit and teamwork, where the UAE Sand Beavers secured the top spot, earning praise for their cohesive team dynamics and relentless drive. The team from Jordan, Boomah, came in a close second, while the Dubai Eagles completed the podium with a strong third-place finish.

For the Varsity division, which featured older youth athletes aspiring for professional or collegiate-level play, the Muscat Mustangs stood tall as champions. They were followed by the Dubai Barracudas in second and the Dubai Stallions in third, reflecting the intense competition and promising futures for these young players.

In the Bantam division, the Wildcats claimed first place after a series of impressive performances. The Barracudas and Stallions claimed second and third respectively, marking the continued rise of youth flag football programs in the UAE.

Lastly, in the Peewee division, where the youngest competitors showcased early talent and unfiltered enthusiasm, the Barracudas finished in first place. The Wildcats and Stallions followed in second and third, promising a strong pipeline of future athletes for the sport.

Voices from the Leadership and Community

The energy and excitement of the tournament were echoed in the remarks of key figures who were closely involved with the event. Ebraheem Budebs, representing Sanad, emphasized the tournament’s dual purpose of athletic excellence and social impact. “We witnessed three incredible days of inspiring celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and unity,” he said. His message reinforced how sport can be a powerful tool for character building and youth engagement.

Budebs added that the company’s involvement reflects its strategic vision to strengthen community bonds through dynamic initiatives. He pointed to the success of the tournament as evidence that investments in sports infrastructure and events pay off not just in visibility but in deeper community cohesion.

Basma Abu Al Nasr also offered her perspective as the event wrapped up. As Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company, she underscored how important it is for events like this to serve as platforms not only for sport but for social inclusion. “We are incredibly proud to have organized such a dynamic and community-driven event,” she stated. She highlighted the balanced nature of the Oasis Cup, which included both highly competitive play and a nurturing atmosphere for young talent to flourish.

More Than Just a Tournament: A Movement for Youth and Families

What set the 2025 Sanad Oasis Flag Football Cup apart from other regional tournaments was its deeply rooted commitment to inclusivity and youth empowerment. The event wasn’t just about elite athletes—it was a festival of flag football that brought families, fans, and aspiring athletes together under one shared passion. From the youngest players in the Peewee division to veterans in the Men’s and Women’s categories, every team member was given a chance to shine.

This inclusive approach played a crucial role in building community spirit and long-lasting memories. The tournament featured not just games but cultural exchanges, meet-and-greets with sports personalities, fan zones, and youth workshops aimed at teaching the fundamentals of the sport. It transformed Al Maryah Island into a bustling, family-friendly venue where enthusiasm, skill, and regional pride intersected.

A Glimpse into the Future of Flag Football in the Region

As the 2025 edition comes to a close, the Sanad Oasis Flag Football Cup has laid a strong foundation for the future of the sport across the Middle East. The Gulf countries are quickly becoming focal points for sports innovation, and flag football is gaining ground due to its accessibility, fast pace, and alignment with youth interests.

The momentum gained from this year’s tournament is expected to spill into youth programs, school leagues, and regional federations, all of which are now tasked with preparing talent not just for the next tournament, but possibly for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where flag football will make its much-anticipated debut.