UAE University Games Conclude With Minister Of Sports Honouring Winning Teams And Athletes

The UAE University Games concluded with a grand awards ceremony at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, celebrating student-athletes and universities nationwide. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company alongside the Ministry of Sports and the UAE School and University Sports Federation, the 2025 Games marked a significant step in youth sports development in the UAE.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, praised the Games as crucial for achieving the National Sports Strategy 2031 goals. He highlighted that over 1,800 students from 28 universities participated, showcasing university sports' role in fostering a healthy and active generation.

The American University in Dubai excelled by winning three titles: men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball. They earned the ‘Overall Excellence Shield’. The University of Sharjah secured second place overall by winning men’s football and volleyball titles, while the University of Rochester finished third.

Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum described the Games as foundational for creating an integrated university sports ecosystem. He emphasised collaboration between academic institutions and sports federations in delivering this successful inaugural edition.

The closing ceremony saw attendance from notable officials like Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajiri from the Ministry of Sports, and Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum. Senior figures from sports and education also attended, including Dr. Bakhit Al Kathiri from Mubadala.

Sheikh Suhail highlighted aligning university sports with international best practices in talent development. He noted that tournament outcomes reflected effective institutional collaboration, supporting the UAE's vision to empower Emirati youth with homegrown champions.

Future Prospects

The first edition featured 1,585 students from 28 universities, demonstrating high competition levels. Organisers aim to build on this momentum for future editions, establishing university sports as a key element of UAE's sporting landscape.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi stated that these efforts complement initiatives like the UAE School Games to nurture national athletic talent capable of competing globally, including at the Olympics.

The event was supported by Solutions+ and MBME Group. It welcomed senior figures such as His Excellency Obaid Salem Al Shamsi from the UAE Football Association and His Excellency Abdullah Juma Al Darmaki from the UAE Volleyball Association.

With inputs from WAM