When you hear “UAE sports,” your mind probably goes to football, cricket, or maybe motorsports. But lately, there’s been a wave under the radar — one riding on waves (literally): marine sports. The country is staking a claim to become a global hub for sailing, jet-ski racing, modern marine championships and more.

In a country often associated with glitzy stadiums and pro-level sports, there’s a quieter revolution underway — one that starts in schools. The 2025 edition of the Dubai Schools Games just returned, bringing together more than 25,000 students from 185 schools across the UAE.

Cricket in the UAE has long been more than just a sport — it’s a cultural bridge between expatriate communities and the local scene. And with the recent rise of the league ILT20, things are heating up.

There’s a subtle revolution happening in the UAE’s sports world, and it isn’t about who scores the next goal or hits the next six — it’s powered by data, AI, and a vision rooted in the future. Across the Emirates, sports organizations are increasingly embracing artificial intelligence to transform how athletes train, clubs operate, and fans engage.