Page 30 - MOS PR REPORT - January 2025

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.

https://www.dayofdubai.com/news/second-edition-of-uae-school-games-to-begin-this-january-
under-the-patronage-of-dr-ahmad-belhoul-al-falasi