Emirati Students Make History At World School Golf Champioship With Two Silver Medals And Fourth Place Finish

In Rabat, Morocco, the UAE showcased its burgeoning golf talent at the World School Golf Championship, which unfolded from July 14 to 21, 2025, at the prestigious Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. This event marked the UAE's first foray into this global competition, under the guidance of the International School Sport Federation (ISF).

The UAE's participation, steered by the UAE School and University Sports Federation, signified a stride toward amplifying the nation's stature on the international sports stage and fostering golf among its youth.

Leading the delegation was Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, who holds dual roles as Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports and President of the UAE School and University Sports Federation.

The UAE contingent comprised four prodigious players split across two junior age brackets, demonstrating the nation's commitment to nurturing young talents in golf, in conjunction with the Emirates Golf Federation. The aim was clear: to bolster the UAE's international sporting presence and spotlight golf as a foundational sport in schools across the country.

The Emirati athletes made a remarkable impression during their debut, with Alexander Dimitri clinching a silver medal in the Under-15 group and Aasiya Saleem achieving similar success in the Under-18 category. These outstanding performances propelled the UAE team to a commendable fourth place among the 16 countries competing, underlining the progress of school-level golf in the UAE and affirming the nation's dedication to cultivating young sports talents.

Sheikh Suhail elaborated on the significance of this participation, recognizing it as a pivotal moment in the ongoing support for national athletes. He lauded the Emirati team's exceptional performance, which he viewed as indicative of the high competitive standard and excellence golf has reached in the UAE.

"At the Ministry of Sports, we remain committed to offering comprehensive support and a nurturing environment for the development of sports talents across all age groups, especially at the school level, which serves as a key foundation for recognising and cultivating future champions. These efforts are further strengthened through the close collaboration between the UAE School and University Sports Federation and relevant sports federations."

Sheikh Suhail also emphasized the importance of engaging in international competitions, aligning with the strategic aim to enhance the UAE's global sports footprint. He outlined the Ministry's dedication to preparing young Emirati athletes for success in significant sporting events, reflecting the broader vision of fostering a supportive ecosystem for academic and athletic pursuits.

"Fostering continuous participation in international competitions remains a central focus of our strategy to boost the UAE's presence on the global sports stage. In line with our commitment to this vision, we have specially designed programs to equip national teams with promising talents and prepare the next generation of Emirati athletes to thrive in major sporting events. Our approach reflects the vision of our wise leadership, which places great emphasis on empowering the youth and creating an environment that supports both academic and athletic excellence."

This endeavour is part of a larger initiative aimed at advancing school sports and providing competitive opportunities for young athletes across diverse disciplines. By collaborating with the UAE School and University Sports Federation, the Ministry seeks to lay a solid foundation for high-performance athletes, fostering future Olympians and elevating the nation's sporting achievements on both regional and global scales.