Dubai Sports Council kicks off new “GARS” season: Life skills, safety and social values for young athletes

Updated: • Reading time: ~3 min

Youth athletes attending an educational workshop in Dubai
GARS focuses on ethics, life skills, health and safety, and community engagement across Dubai’s clubs.

The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has launched a new season of its “GARS” educational initiative for 2025–2026, aligned with Dubai’s Social Agenda 33. The programme partners with leading government entities to deliver practical workshops on ethics, life skills, health and safety, and community engagement—helping athletes, coaches, parents, and even transport staff build a safer, more positive sports culture.
Source: Government of Dubai Media Office.

Who’s involved: Dubai Police, Community Development Authority, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Dubai Endowment Authority, Dubai Health Authority, Roads and Transport Authority, Emirates Driving Institute, and major clubs including Shabab Al Ahli, Al Wasl, Al Nasr, Hatta, Dubai Chess Club, and Dubai Club for People of Determination.
GARS impact since 2013 (as reported by DSC)
Metric Figure What it means
Participants 45,000+ Wide reach across clubs and schools
Lectures delivered 1,350+ Consistent, structured programming
Institutions engaged 30+ Strong multi-agency collaboration

What’s new in the 2025–2026 season?

  • Conscious Athlete (Dubai Police): Traffic safety, stadium behavior, cybercrime prevention.
  • Charitable Awareness (Dubai Endowment Authority): Athletes as ambassadors of positive values.
  • Safe Mobility (RTA + Emirates Driving Institute): Virtual driving sessions; safe road and e-scooter use.
  • Nibras (IACAD): Ethics and values programming for club members.
  • Child-Friendly Clubs (CDA): Child protection and safeguarding standards in sports facilities.

GARS supports DSC’s vision to build clubs grounded in ethical values—making Dubai’s sports ecosystem safer, more positive, and more attractive to young talent.

How Dubai clubs and parents can get more value from GARS

  1. Embed micro-sessions: Turn key GARS themes (e.g., online safety, bystander behavior) into 10-minute add-ons before practice.
  2. Create a “Safety Captain” role: Rotate among players weekly to check equipment, hydration, and travel plans.
  3. Use parent briefings: 15-minute monthly updates on cyber risks, transport safety, and respectful spectator conduct.
  4. Track soft-skill milestones: Include punctuality, teamwork, and conflict resolution in player development plans.
  5. Audit e-scooter routes: For teens commuting to training, map safer routes and reinforce helmet compliance.

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FAQs: GARS in Dubai

What is GARS?

GARS is a Dubai Sports Council educational initiative focused on ethics, life skills, health and safety, and community engagement for athletes and club ecosystems.

Who can participate?

Players, coaches, administrators, parents, and even team bus drivers in Dubai’s clubs and academies. Other government and sports entities can join to deliver awareness programmes.

How does it support Social Agenda 33?

By strengthening behavioral values, promoting well-being, and raising safety awareness, directly enhancing quality of life across communities.

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