The second edition of the UAE School Games, under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, is set to commence in the final week of January 2025. Thousands of students from public and private schools across the UAE will participate in the prestigious competition, which aims to nurture athletic talent and foster a culture of sports among the youth.
Organized by the UAE Sports Federation for the Institutions of School and University Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Education, the UAE National Olympic Committee, and other key stakeholders, the games will feature 12 sports. These include football, swimming, athletics, judo, taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, archery, fencing, badminton, and shooting. This year, table tennis and chess have been added to the lineup following feedback from participating schools. Additionally, new age categories will ensure broader student participation.
Encouraging National Talent and Olympic Aspirations
His Excellency Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Secretary-General of the UAE Sports Federation for the Institutions of School and University Education, highlighted the significance of the games, stating:
“The School Games reflect the Ministry of Sports’ dedication to fostering a strong foundation for developing national athletes. It aligns with the objectives of the National Sports Strategy 2031, including preparing over 30 Emirati athletes to qualify for the 2032 Summer Olympics.”
He emphasized the role of schools in nurturing young talent, providing them with opportunities to compete on the global stage, and contributing to the UAE's vision of creating a generation of skilled athletes capable of excelling internationally.
Empowering Female Athletes
The championship has seen significant growth since its trial edition, particularly in female participation. The first edition recorded a remarkable increase, with 62% of female students participating in badminton, 52% in archery, 70% in laser shooting, and 52% in taekwondo. This reflects a strong commitment to empowering women in sports and providing platforms for their success.
Participation and Diversity
The inaugural edition of the School Games attracted over 3,500 students, nearly tripling the numbers from its trial phase. Of these, 51% hailed from private schools, and 49% were from government schools. Participants represented a diverse demographic, with 56% being UAE citizens, 25% Asians, 13% Arab expatriates, and 6% from European and other nationalities.
Phases of the Championship
The championship follows a structured timeline:
- Registration Phase: Conducted between October 2024 and January 2025, during which schools completed organizational tasks and student registrations.
- Phase One: Currently underway, involving school-level competitions and training across the UAE.
- Phase Two: Scheduled from February to mid-April, featuring regional competitions in each Emirate.
- Finals: The championship will conclude in May with state-level finals. Winners will receive gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Collaboration Across Sectors
The UAE School Games is a result of joint efforts by the Ministry of Sports, the National Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Education, the UAE Sports Federation, and various sports councils and educational authorities.
The success of the first edition, which culminated in a grand finale at Expo City Dubai last May, sets a promising precedent for the upcoming championship. The finals were attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other officials who honored the students achieving top positions in 10 sports categories.
The UAE School Games continues to inspire the next generation of athletes, fostering a culture of sports and excellence nationwide.
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