Dubai’s GEMS Metropole School Named UAE Olympic Wrestling Training Hub
GEMS Metropole School – Motor City in Dubai is set to become a key center for Olympic wrestling training in the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant pivot in the country’s ambitious Olympic medal goals. The development comes through a newly announced partnership with the UAE Wrestling Federation (UAEWF), positioning the institution at the forefront of nurturing elite-level athletes within the region.
The initiative aligns closely with the UAE’s National Sports Strategy 2031, a comprehensive framework aimed at transforming the sporting landscape in the country by investing in sports education, identifying potential talent early, and facilitating the rise of future professional athletes.
Mike Lowery, Director of Sport at GEMS Metropole, emphasized the program’s wide-reaching impact:
“It will inspire a generation of athletes to take up sport and with the influx of Olympic standard athletes frequenting the school and using our incredible facilities – giving our young athletes opportunities to be in the same environment,” he said. “This initiative also strengthens the UAE’s international sporting identity and Olympic aspirations through elite athlete preparation and participation.”
The partnership is expected to bring Olympic-level training standards to high school campuses, giving young athletes direct access to state-of-the-art wrestling facilities, experienced coaches, and exposure to disciplined sporting routines. It also bolsters the UAE’s reputation as a growing hub for international sport, further integrating competition-level excellence into the national school system.
By embedding wrestling development pathways within its curriculum, GEMS Metropole presents a rare opportunity for school-aged talent to train alongside the region’s best, potentially catapulting them onto global sports stages in the future.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
