All Eyes on RGS Dubai as Heads of PE Gather for DASSA Welcome Back Meeting
The long-awaited countdown to the 2026/27 school sports season reached a major milestone last Thursday evening as Heads of Physical Education and Directors of Sport from across Dubai gathered at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGS Dubai) for the annual DASSA Welcome Back Meeting.
Organized by the Dubai Affiliated School Sports Association (DASSA), the assembly served as the official operational launchpad for school sports in the emirate. Athletic directors and PE leaders locked in season calendars, reviewed operational directives, and aligned on key tournament dates that will define the sporting journeys of thousands of student-athletes this year.
Record Expansion: 109 Member Schools Locked In
This season marks a historic milestone for DASSA, as the association officially expands to 109 member schools across Dubai—solidifying its position as the largest school sports network in the region.
DASSA extends a warm welcome to its newest member institutions joining the competition for the 2026/27 academic year:
- Ashmount School
- Harrow International School Dubai
- Dubai International Academy – Town Square
- Queen Elizabeth’s School – Dubai Sports City
- Mirdif American School
- Rugby School Dubai
- Dubai Schools – Al Khawaneej
- Rashid and Latifa School
- Dubai Schools – Nad Al Sheba
Setting the Standard for Middle East Youth Sport
As the largest and longest-running school sports association in the UAE, DASSA plays a central role in organizing multi-tier leagues across football, netball, basketball, swimming, athletics, and rugby.
The gathering at RGS Dubai provided a venue for athletic directors to align on rule adaptations, safety protocols, and fixture scheduling before Term 1 competition kicks off across the city.
“The Welcome Back meeting is always a pivotal moment on the calendar because it locks in the standards, values, and competitive opportunities for every student competing under the DASSA banner,” said Roger Nicholson, Associate Head Co-Curricular at JESS Dubai and DASSA Secondary Chair. “Bringing all Heads of PE together under one roof sets the tone for the entire academic year and ensures we are delivering the best possible sporting experience for our young athletes.”
Key Takeaways from the Meeting:
- 109 Schools & Growing: Welcomed 9 new member schools into the DASSA ecosystem for 2026/27.
- Term 1 Calendars Finalized: Confirmed fixture dates for primary and secondary leagues across core sports.
- League & Division Expansion: Reviewed updated school entries to ensure balanced competition across primary and secondary tiers.
- Championship Venues Locked In: Confirmed host venues for showpiece events, including aquathlon, cross-country, and end-of-term finals.
- Welfare & Standards Alignment: Reaffirmed safeguarding guidelines, sportsmanship expectations, and fair-play standards for players, coaches, and spectators.
With the operational roadmap officially set, schools across Dubai are now putting the final touches on squad selections as student-athletes prepare to take to the courts, pitches, and tracks.