Over 7,000 Students Compete as UAE School Games 2026 Kicks Off Nationwide

Dubai, UAE – The third official edition of the UAE School Games was officially launched on January 12, 2026, under the patronage of Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, marking a major milestone in the development of school sports across the country.

This year’s championship has brought together 7,096 students from 518 public and private schools nationwide, reaffirming the Games’ role as a key platform for discovering and nurturing sporting talent while encouraging an active lifestyle among the youth.

Organised by the United Arab Emirates Schools and University Sports Federation (UAESUSF) in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Education, the National Olympic Committee, and several emirate-level sports councils, the School Games forms part of a comprehensive national sports ecosystem designed to enhance athletes’ pathways to regional and international excellence.

UAE Games — School Games. (Image Credit: Supplied)

Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness at the Ministry of Sports and President of UAESUSF, described the championship as a pivotal initiative that integrates sports into the educational environment. He highlighted its contribution to building physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and fair competition among students, while aligning with the National Sports Strategy 2031, which aims to increase the number of UAE athletes qualifying for the 2032 Olympic Games to over 30.

The 2026 edition features competitions across 13 sports held in two phases. The first phase, running until February 10, includes football, athletics, archery, badminton, laser run, table tennis and the debut of obstacle course racing. The second phase, scheduled for April, will cover chess, fencing, judo, jiu-jitsu, taekwondo and swimming.

Finals and the awards ceremony will take place on May 23, 2026, with top performers receiving medals and advanced training support. Previous editions have already identified nearly 2,000 champions, positioning the School Games as a cornerstone of the UAE’s future sporting success.