Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS), attended the festival's finals, presented awards to the winners, and congratulated the student athletes on their dedication and team spirit. This year's sports festival saw a significant increase in student participation, reaching over 70% compared to Fall 2024, with 92 teams competing across 5 sports. This reflects the growing impact of the festival on campus life and inter-university collaboration. New categories were also introduced, including padel. Participating universities included the American University of Sharjah, Canadian University in Dubai, Birla Institute of Technology and Science – Dubai, Al Qasimi University, Curtin University Dubai, Gulf Medical University, Zayed University – Dubai, New York University Abu Dhabi, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Ajman University, Westford, Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, University of Wollongong in Dubai, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, American University in the Emirates, and the Academic Bath Spa Centre – Ras Al Khaimah. Shaima Ben Taliah, Vice President for Student Experience at AUS, said: "This year's edition of the Sports Festival set a model for what university sports can achieve when talent, commitment, and community spirit come together. The presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi added a special touch that affirmed the value of student sports, in addition to the contribution of our partners from 18 universities in making a week that will remain in the students' memories for years." Results: Padel (Women): 1st Place – Middlesex University. Padel (Men): 1st Place – Middlesex University. Basketball (Women): 1st Place – University of Sharjah. Basketball (Men): 1st Place – Canadian University in Dubai. Volleyball (Men): 1st Place – University of Sharjah. Cricket (Men): 1st Place – American University of Sharjah. Football (Women): 1st Place – American University of Sharjah. Football (Men): 1st Place – American University in the Emirates. Overall Festival Winner: American University of Sharjah (63 points). With 928 students on our fields and the participation of men's and women's teams in padel, the festival set a new benchmark for participation and competitive quality. The American University of Sharjah concluded its annual sports festival after a week of high-level, exciting competitions.
