Dubai Sports Council Launches New GARS Season for 2025–26

The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has officially launched the 2025–2026 season of its pioneering educational program, GARS, under Dubai’s Social Agenda 33, reaffirming its commitment to shaping the next generation of responsible and ethical athletes. The GARS initiative aims to nurture positive behavioral values, build life skills, and protect young athletes from social challenges while strengthening their ability to contribute to their families and communities.

The Dubai Sports Council GARS initiative is being implemented in close partnership with major government entities such as 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 sports clubs including Shabab Al Ahli, Al Wasl, Al Nasr, Hatta, and the Dubai Club for People of Determination also took part in the coordination meeting.

Since its inception in 2013, the GARS program has made a remarkable social impact — reaching over 45,000 participants across Dubai’s sports clubs and schools, delivering more than 1,350 lectures, and involving over 30 government and federal partners. The initiative has evolved into a key pillar of Dubai’s social development efforts, emphasizing ethics, education, health, and well-being.

The new season focuses on four key pillars: promoting ethical and behavioral values, developing life skills, enhancing health and safety awareness, and increasing community engagement. Through interactive workshops, field activities, and practical training, the Dubai Sports Council aims to ensure that athletes not only excel in their sports but also serve as role models for society.

As part of the new GARS activities, Dubai Police will roll out the “Conscious Athlete” program — offering sessions on traffic safety, stadium conduct, and cybercrime prevention. The Dubai Endowment Authority will organize awareness drives highlighting the role of charity and community service, while the RTA, in collaboration with the Emirates Driving Institute, will conduct virtual driving and e-scooter safety workshops. Meanwhile, the Islamic Affairs Department will lead the “Nibras” awareness campaign, and the Community Development Authority will introduce the “Child-Friendly Clubs” project to ensure child protection in sports spaces.

The GARS initiative by Dubai Sports Council is open for participation from additional government and sports institutions, expanding its impact through new awareness programs, anti-doping campaigns, and educational sessions on fair play and discipline.

By embedding ethical values and fostering a culture of respect and safety, the Dubai Sports Council’s GARS program continues to shape Dubai’s vision for a socially responsible, health-conscious, and value-driven sports community.