Two national student-sport seasons are under way this month. The third season of the UAE University Games begins today, 5 October, and the fifth UAE School Games launch on 20 October with 15 individual and team sports. Both are organised by the UAE School and University Sports Federation (UAESUSF) under the patronage of the Ministry of Sports, according to the WAM report carried by UAE News Today.

School Games: 15 sports, two of them new

The 2026–2027 School Games are held with the Ministry of Education, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Dubai Sports Council, Sharjah Sports Council and national federations, in partnership with Ferrero Gulf. This season adds wrestling and basketball. The line-up also includes football, athletics, archery, badminton, laser run, table tennis, obstacle course racing, chess, fencing, judo and jiu-jitsu, taekwondo and swimming, per GymNation’s schedule guide. First-term competitions run 20 October to 19 November; second-term competitions run 6 January to 30 March 2027.

University students playing basketball in an indoor sports hall
Basketball is new to the School Games this season; the University Games expand to seven sports.

University Games: 50 universities, seven sports

The University Games’ third season involves 50 public and private universities and expands to seven individual and team sports, run with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, president of UAESUSF, said schools and universities play a central role in identifying sporting talent, and that the federation is strengthening the pathway from school competition to specialised development programmes using advanced technology and international expertise.

Young swimmer diving into a pool at a school sports competition
First-term School Games competitions run from 20 October to 19 November.

What it means for families in Dubai

For parents, the Games are a low-barrier route into organised sport — broad enough that a sprinter, swimmer, chess player or first-timer can all find an event. Amna Al Saleh of the Ministry of Education called the School Games an investment in students’ potential and the future of national sport. Families planning around term dates can pair fixtures with our Dubai with kids guide, free things to do in Dubai and places to visit in Dubai.

FAQs

When do the UAE School Games start?

The fifth edition begins on 20 October 2026 for the 2026–2027 academic year, with 15 sports. First-term competitions run to 19 November, and second-term competitions run 6 January to 30 March 2027.

Which sports are new this season?

Wrestling and basketball join the School Games programme for the first time.

When do the UAE University Games start?

The third season begins on 5 October 2026, with 50 public and private universities taking part across seven individual and team sports.

Who organises the School and University Games?

The UAE School and University Sports Federation (UAESUSF), under the patronage of the Ministry of Sports, working with the education ministries, sports councils and national federations.