Post by : Rameen Ariff

The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has announced the start of the 2025–2026 cycle of its flagship educational programme, GARS, as part of Dubai’s Social Agenda 33. The initiative seeks to cultivate ethical behaviour, practical life skills and resilience among young sports participants while safeguarding them from societal risks and encouraging positive family and community roles.

Implementation of the GARS programme will be coordinated with several key government bodies, 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. Officials from premier sports clubs such as Shabab Al Ahli, Al Wasl, Al Nasr, Hatta and the Dubai Club for People of Determination joined the preparatory meeting to align efforts.

Since GARS began in 2013, the programme has reached more than 45,000 participants in Dubai’s clubs and schools, delivered upwards of 1,350 lectures and engaged over 30 governmental and federal partners. Over time it has become a foundational element of Dubai’s social development strategy, prioritising ethics, education, health and wellbeing.

The new season is structured around four central themes: instilling ethical and behavioural values, enhancing life skills, raising health and safety awareness, and boosting community participation. Participants will benefit from interactive workshops, field exercises and hands-on training designed to develop both athletic performance and civic leadership.

Among upcoming activities, Dubai Police will introduce the "Conscious Athlete" programme, covering topics such as traffic safety, appropriate conduct at stadiums and cybercrime prevention. The Dubai Endowment Authority will lead initiatives on charity and community service, while the RTA and the Emirates Driving Institute will present virtual modules on driving and e-scooter safety. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department will head the "Nibras" awareness campaign, and the Community Development Authority will roll out the "Child-Friendly Clubs" project to protect youngsters in sports settings.

The Dubai Sports Council is inviting additional government entities and sporting institutions to join GARS, expanding its reach with new awareness drives, anti-doping outreach and sessions on fair play and discipline.

By embedding core values and promoting a culture of safety and respect, the GARS programme continues to support Dubai’s ambition for a responsible, healthy and value-driven sporting ecosystem.

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