Over 25,000 Students Gear Up for Dubai Schools Games
<p><strong>Over 25,000 Students to Compete in Sixth Edition of Dubai Schools Games</strong></p><p>Dubai’s biggest inter-school sporting event is back — and this year, it’s larger and more ambitious than ever. The <strong>sixth edition of the Dubai Schools Games</strong>, organised by the <strong>Dubai Sports Council (DSC)</strong>, will see <strong>over 25,000 students</strong> from <strong>185 schools</strong> across the emirate compete in <strong>25 sports disciplines</strong> over <strong>107 days of action</strong>, nearly doubling the scale and duration of last year’s event.</p><p>The Games are part of Dubai’s broader <strong>‘Champions Makers’ initiative</strong>, which aims to identify, develop, and celebrate the next generation of Emirati and resident athletes while strengthening the city’s growing school sports ecosystem.</p><h3><strong>Expanding the spirit of competition</strong></h3><p>This year’s edition introduces <strong>structured qualifying rounds</strong> in four major sports — <strong>football, athletics, volleyball, and basketball</strong> — allowing students to progress from internal school competitions to official championship stages.</p><p>The Games have also added several new and dynamic events, including <strong>laser run, judo, jiu-jitsu, taekwondo, and water polo</strong>, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to offering diverse sporting opportunities for young talent.</p><p>Officials from the Dubai Sports Council announced that the expanded format will give more students the chance to experience competitive sports while ensuring a fair and professional pathway from school-level contests to elite training programs.</p><h3><strong>‘Building teamwork and resilience’</strong></h3><p>Speaking at the announcement, <strong>Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum</strong>, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports and Chairman of the UAE School and University Sports Federation, praised the inclusion of new activities such as <strong>obstacle-course challenges</strong>.</p><p>“These challenges promote teamwork and resilience, helping students develop not just physical fitness but essential life skills like trust, confidence, and adaptability,” he said.</p><p>He emphasized that the Games are more than just about winning medals. “By broadening sporting experiences, we nurture social cohesion, encourage positive competition, and inspire the next generation to lead healthy, active lifestyles,” he added, while commending organisers, teachers, and volunteers for making the event possible.</p><h3><strong>A growing platform for young athletes</strong></h3><p><strong>Saeed Hareb</strong>, Secretary General of the <strong>Dubai Sports Council</strong>, highlighted the Games’ remarkable growth and impact over the years.</p><p>“Participation has soared from <strong>9,000 students last year to over 25,000 this season</strong>,” Hareb noted. “The Dubai Schools Games have become a vital platform for nurturing young talent and implementing our <strong>Talent Identification and Development Policy</strong>, in line with Dubai’s vision to invest in people and promote athletic excellence.”</p><p>He added that the competition is increasingly serving as a bridge between schools and professional clubs, helping scouts identify promising young players who could one day represent Dubai and the UAE on the international stage.</p><h3><strong>A record-breaking season</strong></h3><p>This season will be the <strong>longest and most extensive</strong> yet — running for <strong>107 days</strong>, nearly double last year’s 56-day schedule. The competitions will feature more than <strong>25 sports disciplines</strong>, ranging from popular team games to individual pursuits.</p><p>For the first time, <strong>13 tournaments will be broadcast live</strong>, providing wider visibility for schools, athletes, and their families. The event will culminate in a <strong>grand awards ceremony on June 25, 2026</strong>, celebrating the top-performing students, schools, and coaches.</p><h3><strong>Spotlight on talent and opportunity</strong></h3><p>The Games are an integral part of the <strong>Dubai Talent Identification Program</strong>, which tracks students’ performance and growth using official <strong>‘Talent Cards.’</strong> These cards allow sports authorities and school coordinators to monitor individual progress and recommend standout athletes for further development.</p><p>Exceptional performers may earn <strong>scholarships</strong>, invitations to <strong>national training camps</strong>, or even a chance to represent the UAE in international competitions. Top schools and students will also advance to the <strong>UAE National School Games Finals</strong> scheduled for <strong>April 2026</strong>.</p><p>“The Talent Card system ensures that promising students are not lost in the crowd,” explained one DSC official. “It’s about creating a pathway — from playgrounds to podiums.”</p><h3><strong>Season opener: Celebrating teachers and teamwork</strong></h3><p>The new season officially kicks off on <strong>Friday, September 26, 2025</strong>, with the <strong>Midea Social Championships</strong>, a friendly tournament dedicated to <strong>PE teachers and school staff</strong> — celebrating their crucial role in fostering sports culture.</p><p>Student competitions begin in <strong>mid-October</strong> with the <strong>Schools Golf Championship</strong>, followed by football, athletics, swimming, and martial arts events spread throughout the academic year.</p><h3><strong>Inspiring a generation</strong></h3><p>The Dubai Schools Games continue to exemplify Dubai’s vision of investing in youth, fitness, and community spirit. By creating pathways for young athletes and engaging schools in competitive yet inclusive events, the initiative reinforces the emirate’s growing status as a global hub for youth sports development.</p><p>As the curtain rises on this season’s action-packed calendar, one thing is clear — for the 25,000 young competitors stepping onto the field, track, pool, or court, the Dubai Schools Games are not just about winning medals, but about discovering their potential and embracing the joy of sport.</p>