The UAE men’s national volleyball team will open its Gulf Games Doha 2026 campaign against Qatar on May 16.
The fourth edition of the Gulf Games will be held in Doha from May 16 to 22, with volleyball played in a single round-robin format.
After facing the hosts, the UAE will take on Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, before ending their campaign against Oman on May 22.
The UAE squad is currently training at Al Wasl Club in Dubai. Head coach Ziad Larquash has 17 players in camp until May 1.
That will be followed by a closed camp, which will include two friendly matches. The squad will then be reduced to 12 players before the team travels to Qatar.
Awwad Al Mansoori, Assistant Secretary-General of the UAE Volleyball Federation, said the tournament gives the team a chance to test itself against Gulf opposition.
He said the programme at Al Wasl is focused on physical and technical preparation, team understanding and tactical work through friendly matches.
The team will know early where it stands. Opening against Qatar, in Doha, gives the UAE a clear test from the first match.
