A school-sport system translating into international success
In July, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), represented by the UAE School & University Sports Federation, competed in the inaugural World School Golf Championship. The event, overseen by the International School Sport Federation (ISF) as part of the Arab Golf Series, took place from July 14 to 21 at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, Morocco.
The UAE entered the competition as part of its strategy to strengthen its international sporting presence and further develop golf within the nation’s school-sport pathway. The initiative was supported by close collaboration between the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and the Arab Golf Federation.
The UAE squad consisted of four athletes two boys and two girls — across the U-15 and U-18 categories, delivering standout performances in their championship debut.
Alexander Dimitri claimed silver in the U-15 boys event, while Aasiya Saleem secured silver in the U-18 girls category. Their results helped the UAE finish fourth overall among 16 participating nations, showcasing the growing strength of the country’s school-golf system and commitment to developing young talent.
Leading the delegation, H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector and President of the UAE School & University Sports Federation, highlighted the importance of school-sport development:
"At the Ministry of Sports, we remain committed to offering comprehensive support and a nurturing environment for the development of sports talents across all age groups, especially at the school level, which serves as a key foundation for recognising and cultivating future champions. These efforts are further strengthened through the close collaboration between the UAE School and University Sports Federation and relevant sports federations.”
He also emphasised the value of international exposure for student-athletes:
“Fostering continuous participation in international competitions remains a central focus of our strategy to boost the UAE’s presence on the global sports stage. In line with our commitment to this vision, we have specially designed programs to equip national teams with promising talents and prepare the next generation of Emirati athletes to thrive in major sporting events. Our approach reflects the vision of our wise leadership, which places great emphasise on empowering the youth and creating an environment that supports both academic and athletic excellence.”
The UAE’s performance highlights the nation’s long-term commitment to school sport and proves how a structured development pathway can lead to international results. Continued investment in youth athletes positions the UAE for even greater success on the global stage.
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