Dubai Sports Council Unveils GARS Program for 2025–26 Season

The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has launched the 2025–2026 edition of its GARS education programme under Dubai’s Social Agenda 33, reinforcing efforts to cultivate responsible, ethical behaviour among young athletes. The programme is designed to instil positive conduct, equip participants with essential life skills, and shield them from social risks while encouraging contributions to family and community life.

The GARS rollout is coordinated with several government partners, including Dubai Police, the Community Development Authority, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, the Dubai Endowment Authority, the Dubai Health Authority, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and the Emirates Driving Institute. Representatives from leading clubs such as Shabab Al Ahli, Al Wasl, Al Nasr, Hatta and the Dubai Club for People of Determination attended the planning meeting.

Since 2013, GARS has reached more than 45,000 participants across Dubai’s sports clubs and schools, delivered over 1,350 lectures and engaged in cooperation with upwards of 30 government and federal entities. The programme has become an integral element of Dubai’s broader social development initiatives focused on ethics, education, health and wellbeing.

The upcoming season emphasises four pillars: ethical and behavioural values, life skills development, health and safety awareness, and community engagement. Through workshops, field exercises and hands-on training, the DSC intends to ensure athletes thrive in sport and act as positive examples within society.

Key activities include Dubai Police’s "Conscious Athlete" sessions covering traffic safety, spectator conduct and cybercrime prevention; awareness campaigns from the Dubai Endowment Authority on charitable participation; and RTA-EID virtual workshops on driving and e-scooter safety. The Islamic Affairs Department will lead the "Nibras" awareness initiative, while the Community Development Authority will launch the "Child-Friendly Clubs" scheme to bolster child protection in sporting environments.

The GARS initiative remains open to additional government bodies and sports organisations, with plans to broaden its reach through extra awareness drives, anti-doping efforts and training on fair play and discipline.

By embedding ethical standards and promoting a culture of safety and respect, the Dubai Sports Council aims to advance Dubai’s vision for a socially responsible, health-focused and value-driven sports community.