Press Conference Confirms Readiness of Al-Arabi and Al-Shamal for Qatar Cup Final

Press Conference Confirms Readiness of Al-Arabi and Al-Shamal for Qatar Cup Final… Major Financial Incentives Await the Winner

Doha – April 15, 2026

The Qatar Basketball Federation held its official press conference on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to announce preparations for the final of the 13th edition of the Qatar Basketball Cup. The event took place at the Federation’s conference hall, attended by Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation, along with representatives of Al-Arabi and Al-Shamal, the two finalists. The much-anticipated final will be played at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Al-Gharafa Hall.

The conference highlighted both teams’ readiness for the decisive clash, with optimism and anticipation prevailing. Praise was given to the technical level displayed by the two clubs throughout the tournament, which saw them reach the final after overcoming Al-Wakrah and Al-Rayyan in the semifinals.

Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari opened the conference by congratulating Al-Arabi and Al-Shamal on reaching the final, stressing that the match promises to be exceptional in terms of competitiveness and quality, with both sides eager to claim the title. He noted Al-Arabi’s extensive experience in finals, while commending Al-Shamal’s impressive performances this season that earned them a deserved place in the final. He added that the high level of play benefits the national teams by raising overall standards.

He revealed that the champion of the 13th edition will receive a financial prize of QAR 600,000, while the runner-up will be awarded QAR 400,000—reflecting the value and importance of the tournament in Qatari basketball.

Mr. Abdulrahman Abu Faisal, Head of Basketball at Al-Arabi, emphasized that reaching the final continues the club’s tradition of appearing in major events. He expressed the team’s ambition to win the title and secure the record as the most decorated club in Qatar Cup history. Coach Hatem Mamlouk of Al-Arabi acknowledged the difficulty of the final, praising Al-Shamal’s organization and talent, while affirming his team’s determination to claim a fifth title. Captain Khalid Roshdi added that the club’s management provides strong support, and the players are motivated to deliver victory to their fans.

On the other side, Mr. Nasser Rashid Al-Kaabi, Head of Basketball at Al-Shamal, congratulated Al-Arabi and praised his own team’s performance, noting their semifinal victory over Al-Wakrah (71–56). He stressed that the team’s goal is clear: to win the final and lift the cup. Coach Mladen Memić of Bosnia reiterated that Al-Shamal enters the final with the ambition of securing its first Qatar Cup title, despite challenges earlier in the season. He acknowledged Al-Arabi’s history and quality but insisted his team will play solely for victory. Team captain Mohamed Hassan Mohamed (Mezo) concluded by affirming that the final represents a milestone for Qatari basketball, highlighting Al-Shamal’s determination to achieve the title and delight its supporters.