Dubai Municipality were crowned champions at the 13th Nad Al Sheba Wheelchair Basketball Tournament after defeating Dubai Police 55-46 in the final played at the NAS Sports Complex.

This was Dubai Municipality’s first NAS Wheelchair Basketball title since 2018. They were runners-up in the 2025 edition.

The bronze medal was claimed by Road and Transport Authority, who edged past Dubai Courts 64-58 in a thrilling third-place play-off played at the Dubai Club for People of Determination halls.

The annual tournament, one of the prestigious events held during the holy month of Ramadan, was organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, under the slogan “Unlimited Capabilities”.

His Excellency Majid Al Usaimi, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee and CEO of Dubai Club for People of Determination; Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Tennis and Padel Federation; Her Excellency Mona Khalifa Hammad, Member of the Federal National Council and Member of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Sports Council; and Hassan Al Mazrouei, Director of the Tournament, were present to award the winners of the Wheelchair Basketball competition.

In a well-contested final on Wednesday night, Dubai Municipality delivered a start-to-finish performance against Dubai Police  – they took an early lead and maintained it throughout before sealing a 29-20 at half time and then 55-46 victory as the final whistle blew at the end of the fourth quarter.

Team captain Mohammed Al Zarooni, who has been playing the NAS event since 2015, was overwhelmed to win his second title with Dubai Municipality.

“We are back as champions after so many years. It’s special. Last year, we missed the title. We dedicate this trophy to our Director General H.E. Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita,” said Al Zarooni.

“The court was heavy for wheelchair basketball. We tried to stick to our strategy, and fitness is one of the most important elements for success in wheelchair basketball. I’m happy my team managed to play according to our plan and we won with it.”

Forward R. Jassem added: “It is an indescribable feeling that I, along with my teammates, helped Dubai Municipality win the title. I feel the NAS Championship has grown a lot and the level of competition is very high — it’s a good opportunity to play alongside several foreign national team players and improve our skills.”

Dubai Police, who also had an impressive run until the final, created several chances to close the gap but failed due to the pressure and pace of the game.

Dubai Club for People of Determination trainee Omair Muhammed admitted that the Dubai Police team faltered in capitalising on crucial opportunities, which made the difference.

“It was a good game. In the first two quarters, we tried to change the pace of the game, but we couldn’t. Dubai Municipality players were very quick and we came under pressure, missing several penalty and scoring opportunities. Personally, I learned a lot from the game,” said the UAE national team player.

A total of 10 teams competed in this year’s NAS Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, with Dubai Club for People of Determination staging the league and bronze medal matches while the final was played at the NAS Sports Complex on Wednesday night.