Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge has launched a new scholarship programme targeted at Emirati students from Abu Dhabi

A new scholarship initiative has been introduced by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) for Emirati students in Abu Dhabi schools in Grades 9–11 (Year 10–12) to attend some of the top sports academies and courses worldwide.

ADEK's Sports Scholarship Boarding programme, which is the first of its kind in the UAE, acknowledges the critical role that sports education plays in helping people develop into well-rounded people. 

In order to contribute to Abu Dhabi's booming sports ecosystem after graduation, it gives students a unique option to enrol in international sports academies prior to pursuing their further education on athletic or academic scholarships with an athletic concentration.

Six athletically gifted Emirati students have enrolled in the inaugural class of IMG Academy in Florida, USA. They will gain access to elite coaches, a curriculum that balances academics, athletics, and personal growth, and training with top-tier coaches to help them reach their full athletic potential. 

Students are living on campus for the whole programme duration as part of the fully-funded boarding programmes in order to guarantee optimum exposure to professional training.

Six exceptional Emirati students in football, basketball, and golf were selected by ADEK in partnership with professional sport scouts to be included in the inaugural class of the programme at IMG Academy. The youngsters will attend the school for two to three years before deciding whether to pursue an academic or sports career.

Some of the students were identified during ADEK's sports championship last year, further emphasising the significant opportunities that exceptional student athletes can anticipate from participating in local sports tournaments, including the Abu Dhabi Sports Championship organised by ADEK. Selected students were part of the ten Emirati students who participated in ADEK's Rize Summer Programme at IMG Academy Talent Camp.