Dubai Schools Games 2023 Announced: Over 25,000 Students To Participate In Major School Sports Event

The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has unveiled the sixth edition of the Dubai Schools Games, a significant school sports initiative. This program will involve over 25,000 students from 185 schools in Dubai. Organised with ESM as the operational partner and Midea as the title sponsor, this season supports the Champions Makers Initiative, which aims to develop future Emirati athletes.

Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports, highlighted the importance of obstacle-course activities in school competitions. These activities are part of a broader effort to increase student participation in various sports and promote physical activity. The initiative is supported by the UAE Obstacle Sports Federation and coordinated with the Ministry of Education.

Sheikh Suhail emphasised that obstacle-course events foster teamwork and collaboration among students. "Obstacle-course events promote teamwork and collaboration among students," he stated. "Some challenges require participants to help their peers overcome barriers, building trust, confidence, and resilience." These activities not only improve physical fitness but also teach essential life skills for future challenges.

Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, noted that the Games have grown significantly each year. "The number of participants is expected to more than double this season, surpassing 25,000 students from 170 schools, compared to 9,000 participants in the previous edition," he explained. This growth reflects the Council's success in fostering a sustainable environment for school sports and talent development.

This year's edition introduces qualifying stages in four major sports: football, athletics, volleyball, and basketball. These stages create structured pathways for students to advance from school-level competitions to official Dubai Schools Games championships. Additionally, new tournaments in laser run, judo, jiu-jitsu, taekwondo, and water polo will expand participation opportunities across Dubai.

The season will feature 107 days of competition with over 25 sports represented—nearly double last year's total. For the first time, 13 tournaments will be broadcast live online. An awards ceremony is scheduled for 25 June 2026. The Games align with DSC's strategic vision and Dubai 2033 Plan to foster talent and community well-being through sports.

Talent Identification and Development

The Games play a crucial role in the Dubai Talent Identification Program by monitoring student performance through official "Talent Cards." This creates pathways for national team selection, scholarships, and specialised development programs. Outstanding students and schools may qualify to represent Dubai at the UAE National School Games Finals in April 2026.

Organisers stressed that these efforts support DSC's Talent Identification and Development Policy aligned with Dubai’s vision to invest in people and enhance athletic excellence. The initiative also allows sports clubs to scout young talent while strengthening ties between education and sports sectors.

The inclusion of such diverse sporting activities aims to diversify opportunities while enhancing social cohesion among students. Sheikh Suhail thanked organisers for their efforts in delivering an exceptional sixth edition reflecting UAE’s vision of advancing school sports.

With inputs from WAM