Biggest edition yet reinforces Dubai’s growing stature for school sport, with new sports, qualification pathways, and record participation across the emirate.

• 195 schools and 14,654 student-athletes competed across Dubai’s largest school sports programme
• 27 sports and more than 100 event days delivered across the 2025–26 season
• First-ever qualification pathways introduced in Football and Athletics
• New sports added including Obstacle Course Racing, Laser Run Shooting, and Jiu Jitsu

Dubai, UAE – June 2026

In a year that called for resilience and unity across the region, Dubai’s schools continued to lead with purpose, keeping students at the heart of everything they do. Even in a challenging period, the MIDEA Dubai Schools Games did not pause, continuing to provide young people across the emirate with opportunities to learn, compete and grow through sport, reinforcing the vital role of education beyond the classroom.

That commitment came to life at the MIDEA Dubai Schools Games, culminating in the Final Ceremony held under the patronage of the Dubai Sports Council. The evening marked the conclusion of the programme’s most successful season yet, bringing together students, educators, school leaders, partners and supporters to celebrate another landmark year for school sport in Dubai.

Throughout the 2025–26 season, 21,230 students registered, with 14,654 students competing across 27 sports, representing 195 schools from across Dubai. Delivered over more than 100 event days, the MIDEA Dubai Schools Games once again cemented its position as the largest school sports programme in the emirate.

From football and basketball to fencing, skiing, martial arts and athletics, the Games gave students the opportunity to challenge themselves, build resilience and proudly represent their schools.

More importantly, the season reinforced the important role that sport plays in education. By continuing to invest in participation and competition, schools demonstrated their commitment to student wellbeing, personal development and creating environments where young people can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

That commitment is increasingly valued by families seeking a well-rounded education for their children. Beyond academic achievement, parents are looking for schools that encourage confidence, teamwork and personal growth. The MIDEA Dubai Schools Games gives schools a platform to showcase those opportunities, enabling students to compete, represent their school with pride and develop skills that will benefit them long after the final whistle.

Expanding the Game

The 2025–26 season marked another important milestone in the evolution of the programme.

For the first time, Football and Athletics introduced qualification pathways, creating a more structured and competitive journey for participating schools and student-athletes.

The Games also expanded its sporting calendar with the introduction of Obstacle Course Racing, the Laser Run Shooting Championship, and the Judo & Jiu Jitsu Championship, providing even more opportunities for students to discover new sports and develop their skills across an increasingly diverse programme.

These additions reflect the MIDEA Dubai Schools Games' continued commitment to innovation, inclusion and creating meaningful sporting opportunities for students across Dubai.

Celebrating Schools Setting the Benchmark

The Final Ceremony recognised schools whose consistent commitment to sport and student participation translated into outstanding performances throughout the season.

School Champions

Primary Division (All Sports)

1st –  GEMS Modern Academy
2nd – GEMS Dubai American Academy
3rd  – Nord Anglia International School
4th – Zayed Educational Complex Al Warqa Kindergarten, Cycle 1
5th – Safa Community School

Secondary Division (All Sports)

1st – Credence High School
2nd – GEMS Modern Academy
3rd – GEMS Metropole School
4th – Jumeirah College
5th – GEMS Wellington Academy, Al Khail

Primary Team Sports

1st – GEMS Modern Academy
2nd – GEMS Jumeirah Primary School
3rd – Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou
4th – GEMS Metropole School
5th – Sunmarke School

Secondary Team Sports

1st – The Winchester School, Jebel Ali
2nd – The Jebel Ali School
3rd–  Deira International School
4th – GEMS Metropole School
5th – GEMS International School

These schools have not only achieved success in competition but have also demonstrated the impact that sustained investment in school sport can have on student development, school culture and community engagement.

Recognising the Next Generation

The Next Generation Talent Awards recognised 10 outstanding Primary students whose performances throughout the season demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication and potential across a range of sporting disciplines.

This year's recipients were:

• Asma A – Zayed Educational Complex Al Warqa Kindergarten, Cycle 1 (Fencing)
• Danial A – Brighton College Dubai (Fencing)
• Ayda G – GEMS Metropole School (Athletics)
• Serge T – GEMS Metropole School (Athletics)
• Ann R – GEMS Modern Academy (Football)
• Fredrick K – German International School Dubai (Football)
• Mila D – Dubai British School Emirates Hills (Swimming)
• Marcus M – Safa Community School (Swimming)
• Jaden R – GEMS New Millennium School (Judo)
• Alma K – GEMS Wellington Academy DSO (Laser Run Shooting)

Representing ten schools and multiple sports, these young athletes demonstrated outstanding commitment, technical ability and sportsmanship throughout the season.

Dubai's Schools Celebrate Their Rising Stars

The Rising Star Awards celebrated 105 students across Primary and Secondary divisions, recognising emerging talent, consistent performances and exceptional dedication throughout the season.

Recipients represented schools including GEMS Modern Academy, GEMS Metropole School, Nord Anglia International School, Safa Community School, GEMS Wellington Academy, Jumeirah College, The Winchester School Jebel Ali, Deira International School, GEMS International School, GEMS Dubai American Academy, Sunmarke School, and many others.

Among the standout performers this season were:

• Yousef E (GEMS Modern Academy), Ann R (GEMS Modern Academy), Sophie F (Nord Anglia International School) – Football
• Matteo M (GEMS Wellington Academy), Darcy N (GEMS Modern Academy), Morgan B (GEMS International School) – Swimming
• Tomasz G (GEMS Dubai American Academy), Kinu H (GEMS Modern Academy), Alexander C (GEMS Metropole School) – Wall Climbing
• Nevis B (Jumeirah College), Peri R (Safa Community School), Akhil A (GEMS Wellington Academy) – Athletics
• Ayaan N (GEMS Modern Academy), Hannah P (GEMS Metropole School), Aaron F (GEMS International School) – Karate
• Bruno L (GEMS Dubai American Academy), Ezra S (GEMS Wellington Academy), Mona D (Safa Community School) – Basketball
• Aradhya B (GEMS Modern Academy), Thomas W (Nord Anglia International School) – Table Tennis & Golf

A Growing Community Behind the Games

The continued success of the MIDEA Dubai Schools Games is made possible through the support of an ever-growing community of partners who share a commitment to youth sport and student development. This season’s sponsors included Midea, Careem, Volkswagen Al Nabooda Automobiles, Almarai, and Al Ain Water, whose support helped create memorable experiences for thousands of students throughout the season.

Competitions were hosted across some of Dubai’s leading sporting venues, including Al Nasr Club, Al Wasl Club, Emirates Sevens, Hamdan Sports Complex, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Police Officers Club, Ski Dubai, Danube Sports World, and GEMS World Academy, alongside many other venues that helped deliver an extensive calendar of competitions across the emirate.

Together, these partners continue to strengthen the foundation of school sport in Dubai, creating world-class opportunities for students to compete, develop and succeed.

 More than a competition, the MIDEA Dubai Schools Games provides schools with a platform to demonstrate their commitment to student development and holistic education, while giving students the opportunity to discover new talents, build confidence, develop leadership skills and experience the pride of representing their school.

As participation continues to grow, the programme plays an increasingly important role in strengthening school communities, promoting healthier lifestyles and equipping young people with skills that extend far beyond sport.

Looking Ahead to the 2026–27 Season

Following another landmark year, the MIDEA Dubai Schools Games is preparing for an even bigger and more exciting season ahead.

Schools across Dubai are invited to be part of the next great chapter of the Games and join a growing community that is shaping the future of school sport in the emirate. Whether participating for the first time or returning to build on previous success, every school has the opportunity to provide its students with unforgettable experiences, foster a culture of excellence and demonstrate its commitment to holistic education through sport.

With an expanded programme of competitions and opportunities across a wide range of sports, the upcoming season aims to engage even more students than ever before. The achievements of this season have set a new benchmark, but the journey is far from over. Schools across both the private and public sectors are encouraged to be part of what promises to be the biggest and most impactful edition of the MIDEA Dubai Schools Games yet, helping to inspire the next generation while continuing to shape the future of school sport in Dubai.

Quotes

Marco Vocale, Commercial Director at ESM, commented:

“This season demonstrated the incredible impact that school sport can have when schools fully embrace participation. Even during periods of regional uncertainty, schools across Dubai remained committed to creating meaningful opportunities for their students to compete, develop and grow. The Final Ceremony celebrates not only champions but every school that invested in its young people. As we look ahead to the next season, we encourage even more schools to join the MIDEA Dubai Schools Games and experience the lasting value that sport brings to students, families and school communities.”

Message from Midea

“At Midea, we believe that empowering the next generation goes beyond innovation—it means investing in the communities we serve and creating opportunities for young people to thrive. Our partnership with the Dubai Schools Games reflects our commitment to aiming high, building strong partnerships, and supporting initiatives that inspire excellence, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles. We are proud to have been part of this remarkable journey throughout the season and congratulate every student, coach, school, and organizer who contributed to its success. We look forward to continuing this partnership and inspiring even more young talent in the years ahead.”

Mazen Al Nashar, General Manager - Volkswagen, Al Nabooda Automobiles

“The Dubai School Games have become a major platform for inspiring the next generation through sport, bringing together students from diverse schools, educators and families in a shared celebration of achievement, wellbeing and community spirit. At Volkswagen Al Nabooda Automobiles, we are committed to supporting initiatives that add value, create positive and lasting impact to our communities. By encouraging young people to embrace active lifestyles, develop resilience and pursue their potential, the Dubai School Games are helping shape stronger communities and brighter futures. We congratulate all participants, winners and the organising committee on another successful season and are proud to be part of this remarkable journey.”

Almarai Head of Gulf, Mr. Doncho Hadzhiev:

“At Almarai, we believe that meaningful partnerships have the power to create lasting impact. Our continued support of the Dubai Schools Games represents our dedication to nurturing a generation that values health, ambition, and teamwork. Through DSG, we see the remarkable potential of young people and the importance of creating platforms that encourage them to grow both personally and professionally.”

 President of Al Ain Water - Mr. Ahmad Yahya:

“Al Ain Water is proud to continue its partnership with the Dubai Schools Games as the official hydration partner. This collaboration reflects our broader purpose of promoting active lifestyles, wellbeing, and sustainable community impact across the UAE.”

About the MIDEA Dubai Schools Games

The MIDEA Dubai Schools Games is a flagship school sports movement under the patronage of the Dubai Sports Council, designed to promote participation, community spirit and talent identification. More than 25,000 students will compete this season across 25 sports and over 100 event days, making it the largest school sports initiative in Dubai.

The Games are proudly title sponsored by MIDEA, with Volkswagen Al Nabooda Automobiles, Careem, and Almarai as key partners. Al Ain Water serves as Hydration Partner, Clive as Streaming Partner, and ESM as Delivery Partner of the MIDEA Dubai Schools Games.