The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH) have signed an agreement with the World Schools Festival to bring the youth sports tournament to the UAE capital for its next three editions (2024 to 2026), with the event renamed as the Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival.
Moving to ADSCH’s multisport facilities has enabled the event to expand to incorporate hockey, boys’ and girls’ cricket and netball, alongside the flagship rugby 15s and rugby 7s competitions. The first edition of the restyled tournament will take place in the emirate from 14 to 22 December.
First launched in South Africa six years ago, the World Schools Festival has grown to include 2,367 participants from over 21 countries. It now welcomes hundreds of players across different divisions for age groups 15 to 18 years.
His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "Abu Dhabi has proven its capabilities and appeal in hosting a vibrant array of world-class sporting events. Hosting the World Schools Festival will highlight not only our exceptional infrastructure but also our welcoming spirit, sense of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Through our partnership with Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, we will spotlight rugby’s emerging athletes and nurture young talent."
Jon Phelps, Founder of Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival, said: "This year marks the beginning of an exciting era for the all-new Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival as we make the move to the UAE. Our new partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub and Abu Dhabi Sports Council will see the Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival hosted in one of the most spectacular and vibrant venues in the world. It's a host city and venue of the future and represents an exciting moment for everyone involved."
"The result will be an even bigger fifth edition, with the introduction of cricket, hockey and netball, alongside rugby, as we bring together over 1,000 athletes from all four corners of the world. We've always been about creating lifelong memories and experiences, while promoting youth and schools sport, a vision shared by Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, who are an essential partner in delivering our growth strategy."
Matt Boucher, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, said: "We're thrilled to welcome the Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival to our ever-growing sports portfolio and, with the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Sports Council, are excited to take the event to even greater heights over the next three years."
"This is a solid demonstration of our ongoing commitment to bringing international events to Abu Dhabi, while helping to galvanise our community participation locally, and the Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival will do just that. It gives us yet another opportunity to showcase this incredible emirate and our ability to host best in class events to the wider world."
To date, premier schools from England, Wales, South Africa and New Zealand have signed up to the festival’s 2024 Rugby Cup Tournament including Millfield, Llandovery College, Paul Roos Gimnasium, EG Jansen Hoerskool and Kelston Boys’ High School. Australia’s Cavaliers Rugby and the International Odyssey World Select have committed to the Rugby Girls’ Rugby 7s and Boys’ Rugby 7s.
