Dubai Sports Council Unveils 2025–26 GARS Season to Strengthen Athlete Ethics

Post by : Raina Nasser

The Dubai Sports Council has announced the start of the 2025–2026 cycle of its GARS education programme under Dubai's Social Agenda 33, signalling renewed efforts to develop responsible, ethical and community-minded athletes. The season underscores the council's focus on behavioural development, practical life skills and safeguarding youth from societal risks.

Implementation of GARS will be coordinated with a wide range of government partners, including Dubai Police, the Community Development Authority, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, the Dubai Endowment Authority, Dubai Health Authority, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Emirates Driving Institute. Representatives from prominent clubs such as Shabab Al Ahli, Al Wasl, Al Nasr, Hatta and the Dubai Club for People of Determination participated in the preparatory meeting.

Since its launch in 2013, the programme has reached an audience exceeding 45,000 participants across Dubai's sporting and educational venues, delivered more than 1,350 lectures and engaged upwards of 30 federal and local partners, becoming an integral element of the emirate's social development framework.

The 2025–26 agenda is built around four principal pillars: instilling ethical and behavioural standards, equipping athletes with life skills, raising awareness on health and safety, and promoting active community involvement. Activities will combine classroom-style workshops, on-site exercises and hands-on training to reinforce learning.

Targeted initiatives within the season include Dubai Police's "Conscious Athlete" programme, which will cover traffic safety, proper behaviour at stadiums and cybercrime prevention. The Dubai Endowment Authority will run campaigns emphasising charitable engagement, while the RTA and the Emirates Driving Institute will deliver virtual sessions on driving and e-scooter safety. The Islamic Affairs department will drive the "Nibras" awareness efforts, and the Community Development Authority will introduce the "Child-Friendly Clubs" scheme to strengthen child protection in sporting environments.

The council has invited additional government bodies and sports organisations to join GARS, planning to broaden its portfolio with new awareness campaigns, intensified anti-doping work and expanded instruction on fair play and discipline.

By embedding ethical principles and prioritising safety and wellbeing, the Dubai Sports Council's GARS programme continues to support Dubai's ambition for a values-driven, health-conscious and socially responsible sporting ecosystem.