AUS secures overall championship at its Sports Festival

The AUS Sports Festival’s impact on campus life and inter-university collaboration is growing, with student participation increasing by more than 70 percent compared to Fall 2024. In addition, new padel categories were introduced this year, and 92 teams competed across the five sports.

Participating universities included AUS, Canadian University Dubai, BITS Pilani Dubai, Al Qasimia University, Curtin University Dubai, Gulf Medical University, Zayed University Dubai, New York University Abu Dhabi, University of Sharjah, UAE University, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Ajman University, Westford, Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, University of Wollongong in Dubai, American University in the Emirates and Bath Spa University Academic Centre RAK.

Shaima Bin Taliah, Vice Chancellor for Student Experience at AUS, said: “This edition showcased what university sports can achieve when talent, commitment and community come together. With 928 student-athletes on our courts and fields and the addition of men’s and women’s padel, the festival set a new benchmark for participation and competitive quality. The presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi energized the arena and affirmed the value of student sport, and our partners across 18 universities helped create a week that students will remember for years.”

Results

Padel (Women): 1) Middlesex University; 2) AUS
Padel (Men): 1) Middlesex University; 2) UAE University; 3) AUS
Basketball (Women): 1) University of Sharjah; 2) AUS; 3) University of Wollongong in Dubai
Basketball (Men): 1) Canadian University Dubai; 2) AUS; 3) Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai
Volleyball (Men): 1) University of Sharjah; 2) Westford; 3) AUS
Cricket (Men): 1) AUS; 2) Middlesex University; 3) Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Soccer (Women): 1) AUS; 2) Gulf Medical University; 3) Curtin University Dubai
Soccer (Men): 1) American University in the Emirates; 2) AUS; 3) Al Qasimia University

Overall championship: AUS (63 points)

For Lana Tannir, a marketing student at AUS and member of the women’s volleyball team, the AUS Sports Festival was an unforgettable experience. 

“The festival brought our team closer together. We grew in confidence, strengthened our bond and connected with players from other universities who share the same passion for sports. It reflected the spirit of unity and sportsmanship that defines the AUS community. Seeing Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi there was incredibly inspiring. Her presence reminded us how much support we have behind us and motivated us to give our absolute best,” she said.

Kumail Hassan, a finance student at AUS and captain of the men’s cricket team, noted that the festival’s cricket tournament was highly competitive, with 12 teams giving their best for the top spot. 

“Thanks to our coach, Shahid Khan, we were well-prepared and proud to finish first against a very strong team from Middlesex University. Beyond the win, the tournament was a great opportunity to connect with players from different universities and celebrate the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship that brings our community together,” he said.

The AUS Sports Festival highlights the university’s commitment to providing a well-rounded student experience outside the classroom. Currently, AUS offers 17 sports teams for women and 19 for men, with students competing on the local, regional and international level.