Two leading underwater hockey clubs in Dubai are training together to compete in the 2026 CMAS Asian Championship [1].

This joint effort represents a strategic push to elevate the profile of a niche sport within the region. By combining resources and talent, the clubs aim to improve their competitive standing on the international stage while growing local interest in the discipline.

The Pirates Underwater Hockey Team Dubai and the Abu Dhabi Ducks are the two [1] organizations currently coordinating their preparations. The athletes are conducting their training sessions at the bottom of a swimming pool in Dubai to refine their skills before traveling to Indonesia for the championship [1], [2].

The teams are preparing for the competition scheduled for next August [1], [2]. The 2026 [1] tournament serves as a primary goal for both clubs as they seek to establish a stronger presence in the Asian underwater hockey circuit.

Beyond the pursuit of a trophy, the collaboration is designed to promote the sport's visibility [3]. Underwater hockey requires players to maneuver a puck across the pool floor while holding their breath, a physical challenge that the clubs hope will attract new participants in the UAE.

Organizers said that the visibility of these teams at a major championship will encourage more athletes to take up the sport. The joint training regime allows the players to simulate high-pressure game environments and improve team cohesion before the event in Indonesia [1], [2].

“Two leading underwater hockey clubs in Dubai are training together to compete in the 2026 CMAS Asian Championship.”

The partnership between Dubai's top underwater hockey clubs suggests a shift toward a more centralized, national-level approach to training for niche sports in the UAE. By pooling talent from different clubs, the region can field a more competitive delegation for the CMAS Asian Championship, potentially accelerating the sport's growth and legitimacy within the Middle East.