### Namibia Triumphs at the UAE Netball Cup 2025
In a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural Dubai Holding Community Management UAE Netball Cup 2025, Namibia emerged victorious, clinching the title after an exhilarating final against Singapore. The match, held at the prestigious Al Nasr Sports Hall in Dubai, showcased not only the talent of the competing teams but also the potential of netball in the region, marking a significant milestone for international women’s sports in the Middle East.
### A Landmark Event for Netball in the Middle East
This landmark tournament was a major leap forward for the sport in the Middle East, contributing to Dubai’s reputation as a world-class host for elite women’s sports. The event attracted six national teams, ranked between 18th and 30th in the World Netball standings: Namibia (20), Singapore (19), Kenya (25), Ireland (18), the UAE (23), and the United States (30). Such diverse participation underscored the growing competitiveness of netball on a global scale.
### Highlights of the Tournament
Namibia’s victory came with a hard-fought 62–53 win over Singapore, which kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Kenya secured third place by defeating Ireland 46-37, while the UAE Falcons impressed the home crowd with a confident performance that led to a convincing 65-48 win against the United States, finishing five places higher than their pre-tournament ranking.
The performances of the UAE Falcons were particularly noteworthy; the team’s mix of seasoned players and emerging talent showcased the strength of the nation’s youth development programs. Their success served not only as a morale boost but also contributed positively to their international rankings, signalling a bright future for netball in the UAE.
### Growing Support for Women’s Sports
As an officially sanctioned World Netball event, the UAE Netball Cup 2025 played a crucial role in emphasizing the increasing prominence of women’s sports in the region. The tournament injected vibrancy into Dubai’s sporting calendar, reinforcing the city’s commitment to promoting female athletes. The interest generated around the event reflected a wider regional momentum behind women’s sports, advocating for increased visibility and investment in female athletic talent.
### Celebrating Achievements
The award ceremony drew a significant crowd and was graced by notable personalities, including His Excellency Saeed Harib, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, and Abdelrahim Al Hashimi, Chairman of the UAE Netball Federation. Their presence underscored the importance of the event within the broader context of the UAE’s sports landscape. Francis Jiani, CEO of Dubai Holding Community Management, and Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, also attended, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in organizing such an event.
### Voices from the Community
Susanne Skelding, Founder of Active Netball, reflected on the success of the tournament, stating, “This tournament has been a dream in the making for many years, and to see it come to life on this scale is incredibly special.” Her comments emphasized the level of commitment and passion within the UAE netball community, celebrating both the increased standard of competition and the supportive network that helped bring the event to fruition. Skelding expressed pride in the UAE Falcons, recognizing their achievements as a significant step forward for netball in the region.
### Collaboration for Success
Organized by the UAE Netball Federation in partnership with Falcon and Associates and Dubai Sports Council, the event received extensive backing from title sponsor Dubai Holding Community Management as well as additional sponsors like The Entertainer, Cognita Schools, Rove Hotels, Dubai Duty Free, and Mediclinic Middle East. Their contributions were instrumental in delivering an unforgettable experience for players, officials, and fans alike, showcasing what can be achieved through collaborative efforts.
### A Bright Future Ahead
The enthusiasm generated by the UAE Netball Cup 2025 sets a promising precedent for future tournaments and reinforces the idea that the Middle East is an emerging hub for international netball. The event’s success lays the groundwork for further development and support of women’s sports, an essential aspect of fostering a more inclusive and dynamic sporting culture in the region.
