Inaugural edition of University Games concludes successfully with spirited competition and celebrations

• H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi: “The success of the inaugural University Games reflects our vision of advancing Emirati sports and tapping into the younger generation’s potential to make sports an integral part of life in educational institutions.”
• H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum: “The inaugural edition of the University Games represents a significant milestone in advancing collegiate sports and discovering exceptional talent. Given the recent success, we hope to further expand participation in upcoming editions.”
• The American University in Dubai won the women's volleyball championship, along with the men's and women's basketball titles after a close contest with the Universities of Sharjah, Rochester, and New York.
• The University of Sharjah dominated the men's football and volleyball competitions, securing both titles after decisive victories over the American University in the Emirates and the American University in Dubai.
• The Higher Colleges of Technology won the women's football title, with the American University of Sharjah securing second place and New York University finishing in third. 
• The 2024/2025 University Games season witnessed the participation of 1,822 students, representing 28 universities from across the UAE.
• The medal ceremonies for participants took place at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium and Mubadala Dome at Al Jazira Club within a lively, celebratory atmosphere.

UAE, 1 May 2025-

The inaugural edition of the University Games concluded successfully with joyous celebrations and intense competition, featuring 1,822 students from 28 universities across the United Arab Emirates. H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, highlighted how the University Games represent a central turning point in the development of Emirati sports, engaging students from various segments of society to compete in intense sporting events and nurturing a collegiate sports culture that inspires future generations of athletes.

His Excellency Al Falasi stated, “The success of the inaugural University Games demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting young athletes and enhancing the role of universities in fostering a passion for sports among students. We will continue working with various sports organisations in order to support young athletes and build upon this event as a crucial base for advancing community sports in higher education institutions. In addition to academics, we hope to provide a professional pathway for individuals with the aptitude and potential to compete and win championships.”

Following a strong performance, the American University in Dubai emerged victorious in the men's basketball championship, with the University of Sharjah coming in second place and the University of Rochester finishing in third. Additionally, the American University in Dubai won the women's basketball championship, defeating the American University of Sharjah in the final, while the University of Sharjah came in third place.

The American University in Dubai continued its stellar performance by adding the women's volleyball championship title to its achievements. The New York University secured second place, followed by the University of Rochester in third.

For its part, the University of Sharjah excelled with two titles. After defeating the American University in the Emirates in the final, the institution took home the men's football championship, with the American University of Sharjah finishing in third place. The University of Sharjah also won the men's volleyball title, with the American University in Dubai as runners-up, followed by the University of Dubai in third place.

In the women's football competition, the Higher Colleges of Technology claimed the championship title, with the American University of Sharjah coming in second place and New York University finishing third. The medal ceremonies for all participants took place at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium and Mubadala Dome at Al Jazira Club within a festive and celebratory atmosphere.

The medal ceremony honouring the winning teams was graced by the presence of H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the General Authority of Sports, Secretary General of the UAE School and Higher Education Sports Federation; Nasser Al Nabihani, CEO of Solutions Plus; Hamdan Al Zaabi, Board Member of the UAE Basketball Federation; and Basma Ahmed Abu Al-Nasr, CEO of Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company.

H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum underscored the significance of the University Games as a pivotal step forward in advancing collegiate sports and identifying emerging elite talents. H.E. emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with clubs and federations in providing relevant data and performance metrics of young athletes to pertinent sports authorities. This data, H.E. noted, is essential for the athletes’ integration into targeted development programs aimed at enhancing professional sports pathways and boosting community participation at the university level.

His Excellency further expressed his optimism for an increased number of participants for future editions of the University Games, citing the inaugural edition’s resounding success. H.E. extended his congratulations to the winning universities and conveyed heartfelt appreciation to all participating institutions and student-athletes whose enthusiasm and dedication contributed to making this first-of-its-kind university sports event a landmark in the UAE’s sports landscape.

Nasser Al Nabihani, CEO of Solutions Plus, stated that the remarkable success of the first University Games fuels their determination to further raise the bar and establish the event as one of the most significant platforms for inspiring youth, showcasing their talents, and their impact on society. He said: “We congratulate the title-winning universities and sincerely thank all participating institutions for their sportsmanship, outstanding performance, and cooperation with organisers. These collective efforts strengthen our resolve to continually grow and improve the event.”

The 2024/2025 University Games season will conclude with an awards ceremony honoring the winning teams and top male and female athletes. The event will be held next Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of distinguished figures including Their Excellencies, representatives of educational and sports institutions, and partner entities. The ceremony will take place in a festive atmosphere befitting the success of the first edition of this pioneering national championship.

The inaugural edition of the University Games was organised by the UAE Sports Federation for School and University Education Institutions, in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and the Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company. The event was supported by Solutions Plus, MPME Group, and the Advanced Technology Research Council, the event’s gold sponsor.

Additionally, the Ministry of Sports recently unveiled two strategic partnerships – with Precision Football and PlayerMaker – to support national talent identification and derive development strategies within the country as part of the Ministry's long-term plan. Under this framework, Precision Football will focus on discovering football talent, while PlayerMaker will oversee talent discovery across seven additional sports, through the "School Games" and "University Games" tournaments.

The University Games attracted more than 1,822 male and female students from 28 universities across the United Arab Emirates over several months, making it the largest showcase of talent in the country and strengthening university students’ capabilities. This event highlighted the overarching goals of the University Games and stands as a key achievement stemming from the ‘Future of Sports Retreat’ organised by the Ministry of Sports.

For detailed information about the University Games, including full results and updates, please visit the official website: www.uaeuniversitygames.ae.