DUBAI is preparing to welcome some of the world’s finest basketball talent as the FIBA 3×3 World Tour makes its historic debut in the emirate on November 6 and 7, bringing Olympic champions, international title winners and leading professional players to Dubai Festival City.
The two-day tournament will feature 14 international teams competing at Festival Bay, offering basketball fans an opportunity to watch elite-level action alongside live entertainment and interactive activities. Admission will be free, although visitors must register in advance to attend the event.
Organised by the Dubai Sports Council under the supervision of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), in cooperation with the UAE Basketball Association, the competition marks a significant addition to Dubai’s international sporting calendar. It also launches a strategic partnership between the organisations that will continue through 2028, creating a platform for further international 3×3 basketball competitions in the emirate.
The arrival of the professional circuit strengthens Dubai’s association with major international sporting events while bringing one of basketball’s fastest-growing formats to a wider local audience.
World champions lead the field
The Dubai leg is part of the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Tour, the sport’s highest level of professional men’s competition. It comes ahead of the season-ending tournament in Rio de Janeiro, scheduled for December 12 and 13.
Leading the 14-team line-up will be Serbia’s Ub, currently the world’s top-ranked team and reigning FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final champions. The Serbian side has already secured three titles during the 2026 season and will arrive in Dubai with Strahinja Stojačić, the world’s No. 1-ranked 3×3 basketball player.
Fellow Serbian outfit Liman, which has also won a World Tour title this season, will add further competition to the international field. The Netherlands’ Amsterdam RABOBANK is another major attraction, featuring Olympic champions Worthy de Jong and Dimeo van der Horst.
The presence of Olympic gold medallists and leading international contenders is expected to make the tournament particularly significant for basketball enthusiasts. Dubai will also have a home team in the competition, giving local supporters a side to rally behind as the emirate hosts the prestigious circuit for the first time.
Eisa Sharif Al Marzouqi, Director of the Sports Events Department, said the tournament reflected Dubai’s position as a destination for global sporting events.
He said the partnership would bring leading 3×3 players to the city, allow residents to experience elite competition at close quarters and encourage young people to take up basketball.
Ignacio Soriano, Head of Events and Partnerships at FIBA, said Dubai had the venue, audience and ambition to host the world’s best 3×3 basketball players.
He highlighted the importance of the partnership through 2028, adding that the participation of 14 international teams and leading players would bring together the speed, skill and atmosphere associated with the sport.
Two days of high-speed action
Unlike traditional five-a-side basketball, 3×3 is played by three players per team on a single hoop, creating a fast-paced contest with little time for players to slow down or reset.
Each match lasts 10 minutes, but the game ends immediately if either team reaches 21 points before the clock runs out. The compact format places considerable emphasis on quick decision-making, shooting accuracy, physical strength and teamwork.
The tournament will begin on Friday, November 6, with qualifying and pool-stage matches. Saturday, November 7, will feature the knockout rounds, followed by a Dunk Contest and the championship final, scheduled for 9.05pm. The official prize ceremony will take place after the final.
With several of the world’s highest-ranked players competing, spectators will have the opportunity to watch international stars in a format known for its intensity and rapid scoring.
Free entry and family entertainment
Beyond the basketball court, Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City will host an entertainment programme throughout the two-day event, bringing together sport, music and community activities.
Visitors can expect live performances, interactive basketball experiences and a dedicated fan zone designed for families and children. The programme aims to make the tournament accessible to a broader audience, including those who may be attending a professional 3×3 competition for the first time.
Entry is free for fans, families and communities, but advance registration is mandatory.
Visitors can register through the official event booking page.
The full match schedule, tournament information and additional details are available on the official FIBA 3×3 World Tour website.
