Brief
Abu Dhabi launches school sports championship for over 350 schools
The competition, running through the academic year, will feature elite and tournament formats for students from U9 to U19.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Abu Dhabi's Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), together with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), announced the Abu Dhabi Sports Championship for Schools on Oct. 10, 2026.
What happened
The year‑long championship will involve more than 350 schools across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, covering 19 sports. Competitions will be staged throughout the academic year, with separate formats for different age groups.
What the reports add
According to Gulf News, the Elite League targets U17 and U19 students and runs a weekly season in seven sports: football, basketball, volleyball, padel, athletics, jiu‑jitsu and swimming. The Tournament Format, open to U9‑U19 pupils, includes qualifying rounds and finals in rugby plus 11 individual sports such as archery, badminton, chess, cycling, fencing, judo, obstacle‑course racing, laser run, table tennis, taekwondo and wrestling. For U11‑U15, the tournament also features football, basketball, volleyball, athletics, jiu‑jitsu and swimming.
What was said
Mohamed Taj Eddine Ahmed Alqadi, chairman of ADEK, said the championship aims to make sport an integral part of school life, encouraging students to stay active and develop values such as discipline and respect. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted sport’s role in bringing communities together and creating opportunities for young talent. Aref Hamad Al Awani, secretary‑general of ADSC, said the event will expand participation and help identify promising athletes.
How it came about
The launch follows recent Abu Dhabi initiatives emphasizing livability and community sport, including the ZPTM Abu Dhabi sports‑city project reported on Oct. 9, 2026, which links elite facilities with schools and residential areas.
Key facts
- More than 350 schools will take part in the Abu Dhabi Sports Championship for Schools. (gulfnews.com)
- The championship covers 19 sports across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. (gulfnews.com)
- Two competition formats are offered: an Elite League for U17‑U19 and a Tournament Format for U9‑U19. (gulfnews.com)
- Mohamed Taj Eddine Ahmed Alqadi said the event aims to embed sport in school life. (gulfnews.com)
- Aref Hamad Al Awani said the championship will help identify and develop promising athletes. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Abu Dhabi Unites 350 Schools in Groundbreaking Sports Championship”
