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The first phase of the Challenge Championship for school football between students from the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait concluded in Kuwait, according to officials from both nations. The school football tournament between UAE and Kuwait was organized by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education and coincided with the week celebrating Emirati-Kuwaiti relations under the theme “UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever.” The event took place in early February 2026 as part of broader efforts to strengthen educational and sporting ties between the two Gulf nations.
The tournament follows a home-and-away format, with the UAE set to host the final phase and championship announcement from April 4 to 7, 2026. This sports initiative represents a pioneering educational step that embodies the depth of brotherly relations between the two countries, officials stated during the opening ceremony.
Educational and National Priority for School Football
Dr. Thuraya Khalifa Al Salmi, Director of Technical Education and acting Director of Student Quality of Life at the UAE Ministry of Education, led the Emirati delegation. During her opening remarks, she emphasized that this sporting and educational event prioritizes values over goals and builds character before recording results. Additionally, she described the championship as both an educational and national priority.
Al Salmi characterized the school football tournament between UAE and Kuwait as the first step toward broader and sustainable Gulf cooperation encompassing various sports. The initiative aims to open wider horizons for students to learn, grow, and discover their talents through structured athletic competition. This approach reflects a strategic vision for regional sports development at the school level.
Students as Ambassadors
In her address to participating students, Al Salmi stressed that they serve as ambassadors for their nations. She urged the young athletes to let their sportsmanship be their true victory and to make their performance on the field reflect their ethics and embody the dignity of their countries. However, she also emphasized that competition should never overshadow the values of respect and fair play.
The Emirati delegation leader praised the high-level organization and warm reception provided by Kuwait, which she said reflects the depth of the relationship between the two brotherly peoples. Meanwhile, she noted that school sports have evolved from being merely a side activity to becoming a national priority for building a healthy, balanced, and athletic generation.
Investment in Future Champions
Al Salmi stated that investment in school sports represents an investment in people and in a nation’s future. The UAE believes that health, values, and excellence begin at school before reaching championship podiums, she explained. In contrast to traditional approaches that focus solely on elite athletics, this initiative emphasizes early talent identification and development.
These sports events create greater opportunities for discovering talents and producing future champions at an early stage, according to the ministry official. Additionally, the program facilitates knowledge exchange between schools and coaches, which enhances the quality of school sports in both countries. The tournament demonstrates how educational sports programs can serve multiple objectives beyond competition.
Sustainable Regional Cooperation
The official concluded by emphasizing the goal of continuing these initiatives on a regular basis and expanding them to include broader experience exchanges. Such collaboration aims to improve overall sports quality and educational outcomes for students across the Gulf region. Furthermore, she extended thanks to Kuwait for its excellent reception and distinguished organization of the event.
The championship final is scheduled to take place in the UAE in April 2026, where the overall winner will be announced. Authorities have indicated their commitment to making this an annual tradition that could expand to include additional Gulf nations and other sports disciplines in future editions.
