• GEMS Modern Academy and Credence High School lead the honours as 195 schools take part in the sixth edition

Dubai: It was a day to remember for Dubai's young sporting stars as the winners of the MIDEA Dubai Schools Games were honoured at a glittering awards ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Wednesday.

The prizes were presented by Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary of the Sports Department and Competitive Sector at the Ministry of Sports and President of the UAE School and University Sports Federation, alongside Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Board Member of Dubai Sports Council (DSC) ‏as the curtains came down on another successful season of the Games.

A total of 27 sports disciplines were contested across the Under-9 to Under-17 age groups during the sixth edition of the competition, with more than 100 Rising Stars and 10 Next Generation Talents recognised for their performances.

Built on ambition, innovation and a long-term commitment to youth development, Dubai's sporting ecosystem continues to grow at the grassroots level. Few initiatives illustrate that progress better than the Dubai Schools Games. What began as a modest school-sport initiative in 2021 has grown into one of the emirate's most significant youth sporting platforms, with participation surging to 21,230 registrations and 14,654 active participants across 195 schools in its sixth edition.

What began as an initiative to encourage greater participation in school sport has evolved into one of the region's most comprehensive youth sporting platforms. Aligned with Dubai Plan 2033, the Games continue to provide students with opportunities to compete, represent their schools and pursue pathways towards sporting excellence.

GEMS Modern Academy emerged as the standout performer of the season, securing the Primary Overall School Champions title while also finishing first in the Primary Team Sports category. GEMS Dubai American Academy and Nord Anglia International School completed the top three in the Primary standings.

In the Secondary Division, Credence High School claimed the Overall School Champions crown ahead of GEMS Modern Academy and GEMS Metropole School. Team sports honours in the Secondary category went to The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, which finished ahead of The Jebel Ali School and Deira International School.

"We are very happy and proud of our students," said Kushal Sachdeva, Head of Physical Education at GEMS Modern Academy. "They won in three categories, two in primary and one in secondary. They have been working very hard throughout the year and the effort has paid off."

Sachdeva attributed the school's success to a long-term development process focused on identifying and nurturing talent from an early age.

"There is no secret. It is about having a process from the grassroots level," he said. "We expose students to different activities from an early age through structured programmes and training sessions. Our coaches work with them throughout the year, and we try to nurture talent at the right time."

He also praised the support provided by the school's management in helping students balance academics and sport.

"Both are equally important. Our school management is very supportive. Even during examination periods, they help students manage their schedules so they can continue to compete and train," he said.

The season also highlighted the growing role of school sport in identifying and nurturing future talent. The Next Generation Talent Awards recognised 10 outstanding students in the Primary Division across disciplines, including fencing, athletics, football, swimming, judo and laser run shooting.

The Rising Star Awards further showcased the depth of emerging talent within Dubai's schools, with 105 students across the Primary and Secondary divisions receiving recognition for their performances throughout the season.

The top-performing schools and athletes will now have the opportunity to represent Dubai at the UAE School Games, providing another pathway for young talent to compete at the national level.

The continued growth of the Games has also been supported by a strong network of partners – MIDEA, Almarai, Volkswagen Al Nabooda Automobiles -  who share a commitment to youth development and healthy lifestyles.

"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," Midea said in a statement. "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."

Almarai, another key partner of the Games, highlighted the importance of creating platforms that encourage young people to develop both on and off the field.

"At Almarai, we believe that meaningful partnerships have the power to create lasting impact," said Doncho Hadzhiev, Head of Gulf at Almarai. "Our continued support of the Dubai Schools Games represents our dedication to nurturing a generation that values health, ambition and teamwork."

Volkswagen Al Nabooda Automobiles also praised the role the Games continue to play in inspiring young athletes and building stronger communities through sport.

"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," said Mazen Al Nashar, General Manager of Volkswagen at Al Nabooda Automobiles.

With the conclusion of another successful season, the Dubai Schools Games stands as a testament to the growing enthusiasm for school sport across Dubai.

Results:

School Champions

Primary Division (All Sports)

1. GEMS Modern Academy
2. GEMS Dubai American Academy
3. Nord Anglia International School
4. Zayed Education Complex Al Warqa Kindergarten, Cycle 1
5. Safa Community School

Secondary Division (All Sports)

1. Credence High School
2. GEMS Modern Academy
3. GEMS Metropole School
4. Jumeirah College
5. GEMS Wellington Academy, Al Khail

Primary (Team Sports)

1. GEMS Modern Academy
2. GEMS Jumeirah Primary School
3. Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou
4. GEMS Metropole School
5. Sunmarke School

Secondary (Team Sports)

1. The Winchester School, Jebel Ali
2. The Jebel Ali School
3. Deira International School
4. GEMS Metropole School
5. GEMS International School

Individual awards:

Primary division:

Fencing: Asma A (Zayed Educational Complex Al Warqa Kindergarten, Cycle 1), Danial A (Brighton College).

Athletics: Ayda G and Serge T (GEMS Metropole School).

Football: Ann R (GEMS Modern Academy), Fredrick K (German School, Dubai).

Swimming: Mila D (Dubai British School, Emirates Hills), Marcus M (Safa Community School).

Judo: Jaden R (GEMS New Millennium School).

Laser Run Shooting: Alma K (GEMS Wellington Academy, DSO).

Rising Star Awards (Primary and Secondary divisions):

Football: Yousef E (GEMS Metropole School), Ann R (GEMS Modern Academy), Sophie F (GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail).

Swimming: Matteo M (Pristine Private School), Darcy N (Dubai British School Mira), Morgan B (Arcadia British School).

Wall Climbing: Tomasz G (GEMS Dubai American Academy), Kinu H (GEMS World Academy), Alexander C (Jebel Ali School).

Athletics: Nevis B (GEMS Our Own Indian School), Peri R (GEMS Wellington School Academy - Silicon Oasis), Akhil A (The Millennium School, Dubai).

Karate: Ayaan N (GEMS Modern Academy), Hannah P (Gems Modern Academy), Aaron F (GEMS Modern Academy).

Basketball: Bruno L (Sunmarke School), Ezra S (Gems Winchester School - Jebel Ali), Mona D (South View).

Table Tennis: Aradhya B (GEMS New Millennium School).

Golf: Thomas W (Brighton College).