The American University of the Middle East (AUM) swaps Kuwait for Abu Dhabi in a sports training camp with TWEDEX.

In October 2025, the American University of the Middle East (AUM) took their pre-season preparations to a professional level, touching down in Abu Dhabi for a multi-sport tour that set the tone for their upcoming competitive season.

Facilitated by the sports travel experts at TWEDEX, the tour brought together athletes from AUM’s Men’s and Women’s football, basketball, and padel squads for a weekend of elite-level training and cross-border competition.

AUM Kuwait Sports Camp

The action kicked off at the world-class 321 Sports on Hudayriyat Island, a facility known for its FIFA-standard pitches and the largest indoor sports dome in the MENA region.

The Men’s football side delivered a standout performance, securing a hard-fought victory against local opposition Ole FC. Meanwhile, the Women’s football and basketball squads faced off against Abu Dhabi University (ADU) in a series of highly competitive fixtures that served as the perfect litmus test before their regular seasons.

The Padel athletes were equally active. They headed to the Gaby Reca Centre to compete against some of the UAE’s top club players. Beyond the results, the trip focused on recovery and team culture. This included a professional recovery session at the hotel and a “retail therapy” visit to Yas Mall before the short hop back to Kuwait.

Word from the Athletes & Staff

The success of the tour was echoed by the AUM leadership. Liam O’Brien, Athletic Director at AUM, praised the seamless organization:

“Another exceptional trip with Twedex… The team went above and beyond to ensure the athletes had everything they needed to perform at their best. Professionalism at its finest.”

The students were equally vocal about the experience. One student athlete remarked, “Impeccably organized, making for a memorable and enjoyable experience for all involved,” while another added, “It was a pretty incredible trip that surpassed our expectations. The challenge to step out of our comfort zone was exactly what we needed.”

The GYS Take: Looking Toward the Gulf University Games

As GYS expands its coverage into the university sector, seeing powerhouse institutions like AUM Kuwait investing in high-performance tours highlights the rising standard of university athletics in the region.

By prioritizing world-class facilities and high-performance coaching, AUM is setting a new standard for the university sports pathway in the Gulf. This is an evolution similar to the rise of digital scouting platforms like Kick Connect, which are helping local talents bridge the gap between school athletics and global opportunities.