The Dubai Schools Games return with over 25,000 students across 185 schools competing in 25 sports. The Dubai Schools Games aim to nurture young sporting talent and align with Dubai’s long-term sports vision.
DUBAI: The Dubai Sports Council has launched the sixth edition of the Dubai Schools Games, the city’s largest student sports initiative, drawing over 25,000 students from 185 schools. With a focus on inclusivity, talent discovery, and community engagement, the Games are a key part of Dubai’s Champions Makers Initiative.
The new season introduces an expanded format, featuring 25 sporting disciplines including football, athletics, basketball, water polo, laser run, taekwondo, and jiu-jitsu. Held in cooperation with ESM and sponsored by Midea, the Games will span 107 days of competition — nearly double from last year — and will offer structured qualifying stages in key sports.
The Dubai Schools Games were officially launched at a press conference at GEMS American Academy Al Barsha, attended by key dignitaries including Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum and H.E. Saeed Hareb, who praised the program’s community impact and its role in preparing future athletes.
New this season are obstacle-course events designed to foster teamwork, resilience, and physical fitness, implemented with the support of the UAE Obstacle Sports Federation. These activities aim to diversify sporting engagement and instil life skills among young participants.
H.E. Saeed Hareb highlighted the Games’ exponential growth, noting participation has tripled since its inception. He said the program serves as a core pillar of Dubai’s Talent Identification and Development Policy, offering a scouting platform for sports clubs and pathways to national representation.
Thirteen tournaments will be streamed live for the first time, and top-performing students and schools will qualify for the UAE National School Games Finals in April 2026. Students will also have their performances tracked through “Talent Cards,” which could open doors to scholarships and national team selections.
The season kicks off with the Midea Social Championships on 26 September 2025, followed by the Schools Golf Championship in mid-October. Midea is also launching a special campaign offering a full home makeover using its latest smart appliances for one lucky winner.
All events are open to the public, supporting the Council’s strategic goal under Dubai 2033 to build an active, health-conscious community through school-level sports development.
