The Dubai Sports Council has announced the winners of the fifth edition of the Dubai Schools Games, the emirate’s largest inter-school sporting event. GEMS Modern Academy emerged as the dominant force, securing first place in both the primary and secondary school divisions.
Held under the patronage of the Dubai Sports Council and operationally managed by ESM, the 2024–2025 edition saw record participation, with over 84,000 students from 165 public and private schools across Dubai competing in 22 sports over nine months.
The closing ceremony, attended by top dignitaries including H.E. Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, and H.E. Ghanem Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports, recognised over 300 student-athletes for outstanding performances.
Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Khalfan Belhoul highlighted the event’s alignment with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to develop a strong foundation for national sports through school-based talent development.
“This event highlights the critical importance of encouraging students to engage in sports as a core element in building strong character, supporting physical and mental health, and fostering the discovery and development of athletic talents,” Belhoul said.
The Dubai Schools Games featured a wide array of disciplines, including Olympic and non-Olympic sports such as football, swimming, fencing, gymnastics, badminton, basketball, and newer additions like padel, e-sports, and wall climbing. Inclusive competitions were also held for People of Determination, and a separate tournament was organised for teachers.
Approximately 9,000 student-athletes advanced to the final stages of the Games, competing in a high-performance environment designed to identify emerging talent and prepare them for elite competition. Officials described the event as a valuable pipeline for Dubai’s sports clubs and national teams.
“The significant participation in the Games creates golden opportunities for sports clubs and talent scouts to select promising athletes, integrate them into club teams, and prepare them to reach elite competitive levels,” Belhoul added.
The winners in the Primary School Division were:
- First Place: GEMS Modern Academy
- Second Place: Jumeirah Primary School
- Third Place: Dubai English Speaking School
In the Secondary School Division:
- First Place: GEMS Modern Academy
- Second Place: GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail
- Third Place: GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis
Now in its fifth year, the Dubai Schools Games continues to grow in scale and impact, establishing itself as a key initiative in the emirate’s strategy to become a global leader in talent development and youth sport.
With increased diversity in sporting categories and stronger institutional support, organisers say the Games are set to become an essential platform for shaping the UAE’s future athletes.
