Emirates Hockey League 2026-27: teams, format and how to watch
The Emirates Hockey League 2026-27: the six teams, early standings, past champions from two sources, and what is known about game nights and free entry.
- Independent · no bookings
- Published 23 October 2026
- 9 sources, checked 23 October 2026
- 5 min read
Short answer
- The Emirates Hockey League is the UAE's adult ice hockey league, founded in 2009.
- Six teams play in 2026-27, per Elite Prospects on 23 October 2026: four from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, two from Dubai.
- After three games each, Abu Dhabi Storms and Abu Dhabi Shaheen were 3-0; Dubai Mighty Camels were 0-3.
- Abu Dhabi Shaheen won the 2024-25 and 2025-26 titles, per Elite Prospects.
- In 2024-25, games were Mon, Wed and Thu at 20:30 with free entry; 2026-27 details are unconfirmed.
In this guide (10 sections)
- Which teams are in the Emirates Hockey League 2026-27?
- The Dubai teams
- The Abu Dhabi and Al Ain teams
- How does the Emirates Hockey League work?
- How can I watch Emirates Hockey League games?
- Who has won the Emirates Hockey League?
- Can I play in the Emirates Hockey League?
- The league and the national team
- How to follow results
- What to check before you act
The Emirates Hockey League (EHL) is the UAE's adult ice hockey league. It was founded in 2009 and, as of 23 October 2026, has six teams in its 2026-27 season. Abu Dhabi Storms and Abu Dhabi Shaheen had won all three of their opening games, and Abu Dhabi Shaheen are the two-time defending champions, according to Elite Prospects.
You may also see it called the Emirates Ice Hockey League (EIHL). Both names refer to the same competition.
Which teams are in the Emirates Hockey League 2026-27?
Elite Prospects is the most current public source for the league. Its 2026-27 table, checked on 23 October 2026, shows six teams after three games each.
| Team | Base | GP | W | L | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Storms | Abu Dhabi | 3 | 3 | 0 | 9 |
| Abu Dhabi Shaheen | Abu Dhabi | 3 | 3 | 0 | 9 |
| Galaxy Warriors | Dubai | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Al Ain Theebs | Al Ain | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Abu Dhabi Highlanders | Abu Dhabi | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Dubai Mighty Camels | Dubai | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Standings as published by Elite Prospects on 23 October 2026. Points are three for a win; there were no overtime results at that stage. Elite Prospects lists no game dates, so we cannot confirm when the season started or when the next games are.
Why Wikipedia shows different teams
Wikipedia's EHL page says six teams in its summary box but lists eight, including Dubai White Bears, Dubai Red Stars and Abu Dhabi Scorpions. It does not list Abu Dhabi Highlanders, and it has no 2025-26 or 2026-27 season. We use Elite Prospects for the current line-up and Wikipedia only for history. The status of the White Bears and Red Stars is unconfirmed as of 23 October 2026.
The Dubai teams
Dubai Mighty Camels
The Camels are the older of the two Dubai teams. Gulf Today said in November 2024 that the club was founded in 1994. Wikipedia gives the Dubai Mall ice rink as their home. In December 2020 they hosted Israel's Bat Yam Chiefs in Dubai, which the Times of Israel described as the first Israel–UAE sports match. Elite Prospects shows a 2-13 record and a quarterfinal exit in 2025-26.
Galaxy Warriors
Galaxy Warriors are the adult side of Galaxy Hockey Academy, founded in 2022. The academy says its teams skate at Sport Society Mall in Mirdif while it waits for its own arena in Oud Metha, which was not confirmed open as of 23 October 2026. See every rink and club in Dubai.
The Abu Dhabi and Al Ain teams
Four of the six 2026-27 teams are outside Dubai: Abu Dhabi Storms, Abu Dhabi Shaheen, Abu Dhabi Highlanders and Al Ain Theebs. Their home rinks are not stated on the sources we used, so we do not list them.
- Abu Dhabi Storms won the 2018 Arab Clubs Championship final 5-3 against a Lebanese side at Zayed Sports City, according to the IIHF (May 2018).
- Abu Dhabi Shaheen are listed by Elite Prospects as champions in 2024-25 and 2025-26. Wikipedia names the 2024-25 champions "Shaheen Falcons".
- Al Ain Theebs won the 2021-22 title, per Wikipedia.
- Abu Dhabi Highlanders appear in the Elite Prospects 2026-27 table but not on Wikipedia's team list.
How does the Emirates Hockey League work?
Here is what the sources we checked say about the format:
- Founded: 2009 (Wikipedia).
- Governance: governed under the IIHF; president Vladimir Burdun since November 2018 (Wikipedia).
- Organiser: Gulf Today (November 2024) describes Burdun as founder and CEO of Emirates Sports Group and chairman of the Dubai Mighty Camels.
- Season: the 2024-25 season began in late November 2024 (Gulf Today). The 2026-27 start date is unconfirmed.
- Play-offs: Elite Prospects records play-off rounds, such as the Camels' 2025-26 quarterfinal.
We have not found a published rulebook or full fixture list for 2026-27.
How can I watch Emirates Hockey League games?
The only detailed public information is from the 2024-25 season, so treat it as a guide, not a promise:
| Detail | 2024-25 (Gulf Today, Nov 2024) | 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|
| Game nights | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday | Unconfirmed |
| Start time | 20:30 | Unconfirmed |
| Venues | Dubai Mall ice rink, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi rinks | Unconfirmed |
| Entry | Free for residents and visitors | Unconfirmed |
A Yahoo Sports feature published on 11 September 2026 described crowds of around 1,000 watching games at the Dubai Mall rink. The date of that footage is not clear.
Worked example: catching a Dubai game
If you want to watch the Camels at Dubai Mall, start by checking the team's own social channels for the week's fixture. Under the 2024-25 pattern, games were at 20:30 on weeknights. Dubai Ice Rink also sells spectator tickets at AED 10 for public sessions, per Emaar on 23 October 2026. That is for watching public skating, and we have not confirmed whether it applies to league nights. Ask at the rink.
Who has won the Emirates Hockey League?
Two sources give different histories. We show both.
| Season | Elite Prospects | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Abu Dhabi Shaheen | Not listed |
| 2024-25 | Abu Dhabi Shaheen | Shaheen Falcons |
| 2023-24 | Not checked | Dubai White Bears |
| 2022-23 | Not checked | Dubai White Bears |
| 2021-22 | Not checked | Al Ain Theebs |
| 2020-21 | Dubai Mighty Camels | Dubai Mighty Camels |
The Camels' title count also differs. Elite Prospects lists four titles: 2011-12, 2015-16, 2017-18 and 2020-21. Wikipedia and Gulf Today (November 2024) say five. We have not resolved the difference.
Can I play in the Emirates Hockey League?
The EHL is an adult league for experienced players. If you have played before, contact the clubs directly about trials. If you are new or returning after years away, read adult ice hockey in Dubai first. Children's routes are covered in kids' ice hockey in Dubai.
The league and the national team
Beyond the league, the UAE will host the IIHF World Championship Division II Group A in Al Ain in April 2027. See the 2027 Al Ain tournament for what is confirmed.
How to follow results
There is no league website with live results that we could find. The practical options:
- Elite Prospects keeps a standings table for the UAE league. It has no game dates, so note the date you looked.
- Team social channels are where clubs post fixtures and scores.
- Local press such as Gulf Today has covered season openers, but not every round.
We will update this page as the season goes on, with the date of each standings snapshot.
What to check before you act
- Check team social channels for the week's fixtures; no public schedule exists for 2026-27.
- Confirm entry is still free before travelling.
- Use the Elite Prospects table for current standings and note the date.
- Do not rely on Wikipedia's team list for 2026-27.
- Ask the rink about spectator rules on league nights.
Questions people ask
How many teams are in the Emirates Hockey League?
Elite Prospects lists six teams for 2026-27: Abu Dhabi Storms, Abu Dhabi Shaheen, Galaxy Warriors, Al Ain Theebs, Abu Dhabi Highlanders and Dubai Mighty Camels. Wikipedia lists a different set and is out of date.
Is it free to watch Emirates Hockey League games?
Gulf Today reported in November 2024 that entry was free for residents and visitors in the 2024-25 season. We have not confirmed the 2026-27 policy, so check with the teams.
Where are Emirates Hockey League games played?
In 2024-25, Gulf Today said games were played at the Dubai Mall ice rink, in Al Ain and at Abu Dhabi rinks. Venues for 2026-27 are unconfirmed.
Who won the Emirates Hockey League last season?
Elite Prospects lists Abu Dhabi Shaheen as champions in 2025-26 and 2024-25.
Who runs the Emirates Hockey League?
Wikipedia says the league is governed under the IIHF and that Vladimir Burdun has been its president since November 2018. Gulf Today describes him as head of Emirates Sports Group and chairman of the Dubai Mighty Camels.
General information only. Fees, venues and schedules change; confirm with the rink, club or league before you pay or travel. Spotted something out of date? Send us a source.
Sources
- UAE league 2026-2027 standings (Elite Prospects)checked 23 October 2026
- Abu Dhabi Shaheen team page (Elite Prospects)checked 23 October 2026
- Dubai Mighty Camels team page (Elite Prospects)checked 23 October 2026
- Emirates Ice Hockey League (Wikipedia)checked 23 October 2026
- New season of Emirates Ice Hockey League off to a thrilling start (Gulf Today, 23 Nov 2024)checked 23 October 2026
- Ice hockey found an unexpected home (Yahoo Sports, 11 Sep 2026)checked 23 October 2026
- Breaking the ice: Israel-UAE hockey match makes history (Times of Israel, Dec 2020)checked 23 October 2026
- Hockey in the desert (IIHF, 31 May 2018)checked 23 October 2026
- Galaxy Hockey Academy home page (GLXY Hockey)checked 23 October 2026