SPORT @ DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY - EMIRATES HILLS
Best Sport School Award Application
Royal & Government Recognition – Hamdan bin Mohammed Order of Merit
DIA Emirates Hills has been honoured with the prestigious Hamdan bin Mohammed Order of Merit for Sports, awarded by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This royal recognition affirms our position as a national leader in sports education. It acknowledges not only the success of our competitive teams but the inclusive, developmental, and values-driven programme we’ve established. Receiving this honour is a testament to the depth of our commitment- from elite performance to lifelong wellness and character education. It validates our vision to make sport accessible, meaningful, and transformative for every child, while proudly contributing to the UAE’s legacy in physical education, talent development, and youth engagement through sport. It affirms our commitment to using sport as a vehicle for development, community engagement, and youth empowerment-where every student, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.
Participation in Government & Community Initiatives
Our commitment to sport extends beyond competition and into meaningful civic engagement. DIA Emirates Hills proudly participates in key UAE-wide initiatives including the Dubai 30x30 Fitness Challenge, UAE Sports Day, the Dubai Run, and the Expo Walkathon. These events reflect the nation’s vision for a healthier, more active population and align with our own goals of holistic development and community contribution. Through regular involvement, our students learn that sport is not only about personal achievement but about shared responsibility, teamwork, and giving back. By representing the school in such national movements, they become role models who promote the values of well-being, inclusion, and leadership - living proof of our belief that sport is a powerful vehicle for both personal and societal impact
Athlete Achievements & Alumni Honour Roll
At DIA Emirates Hills, we take great pride in celebrating the accomplishments of our student-athletes, both current and past. From national champions to international representatives, our students regularly achieve excellence in disciplines such as football, fencing, swimming, athletics, basketball, and more. Many of our alumni have continued their journeys at world-renowned universities including Loughborough, UCLA, Boston College, and The University of Edinburgh—securing athletic scholarships and forging careers in sport and health sciences. We maintain an active honour roll that highlights these milestones, not just as achievements, but as stories of perseverance, discipline, and commitment. These individuals inspire our younger athletes to dream big and strive for excellence, showing them what is possible when talent is matched with opportunity, support, and hard work.
Athlete of the Term & Year
To continuously recognise student effort, growth, and impact, DIA Emirates Hills celebrates standout individuals each term through our Athlete of the Term and Athlete of the Year awards. These accolades are not based solely on winning, but on a holistic evaluation of each student's performance, attitude, leadership, and contribution to their team. Coaches and staff nominate students who demonstrate commitment, resilience, respect, and consistent effort -whether in training, competition, or school life. The awards are celebrated in assemblies and newsletters, reinforcing the idea that sustained discipline and sportsmanship are just as important as talent. These honours serve as powerful motivators for all students, acknowledging those who lead by example and setting aspirational standards for their peers to follow.
Annual Sports Awards Ceremonies and Honours
Our Annual Sports Awards Presentation is a flagship event that brings together the entire school community to celebrate the achievements, dedication, and spirit of our student-athletes. Held at the end of each academic year, the ceremony recognises excellence across all age groups and sports, honouring individuals and teams who have demonstrated outstanding performance, leadership, improvement, and resilience. Awards span categories such as MVP, Most Improved, Team of the Year, Coach’s Award, and special honours for service and sportsmanship. The event also shines a spotlight on our graduating athletes and scholarship recipients, marking the next step in their sporting journey. More than a celebration, the Sports Awards evening is a reflection of our values - respect, determination, joy, and community. It reminds us all that success in sport is measured not only in medals, but in growth, effort, and character.
Sports Ambassadors Programme
The Sports Ambassadors Programme at DIA Emirates Hills empowers selected students to serve as role models, motivators, and champions of our school’s sporting values. These ambassadors are chosen not only for their athletic skill but for their integrity, positive attitude, and ability to inspire others. They take on leadership roles within their teams, assist with events, guide younger students, and promote a spirit of inclusion and participation across all school levels. Through workshops, mentoring, and collaboration with staff, they develop skills in public speaking, event coordination, and peer leadership. The programme is a key part of our vision to nurture confident, socially responsible young people who understand that sport is about building others up, not just personal success. Sports Ambassadors live the ethos of DIA sport - leading by example, giving back to the community, and elevating those around them.
Leadership and Service in Sport
At DIA Emirates Hills, we believe that true sporting excellence includes service to others. Leadership in sport goes beyond captaining a team -it involves empathy, initiative, and commitment to the growth of the community. Students are given meaningful opportunities to lead warm-ups, assist coaches, officiate matches, support events, and act as mentors for younger athletes. Whether through the Sports Leaders UK programme or internal leadership pathways, they are empowered to take ownership of their role in shaping the culture around them. This service-based approach helps develop communication, accountability, and teamwork - qualities that extend far beyond the pitch. By fostering leaders who give back, we strengthen our sporting environment and uphold a legacy where success is measured not only by results, but by contribution and character.
Hall of Fame – Sports Ambassadors Legacy Wall
The Hall of Fame – Sports Ambassadors Legacy Wall stands as a proud tribute to those students who have made a lasting impact on the sporting culture at DIA Emirates Hills. Located at the heart of our campus, it honours ambassadors, captains, and standout athletes who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, sportsmanship, and service throughout their school journey. Their names and stories are etched into our community as symbols of what it means to lead with humility, inspire others, and uplift the teams and people around them. This legacy wall is more than decoration—it is a source of inspiration for current and future students, reminding them that the true mark of greatness lies in how we influence others and the culture we leave behind. It is a living celebration of our values and a powerful visual reminder that sport at DIA is both personal and enduring.
Celebration of Character & Sportsmanship
At DIA Emirates Hills, we recognise that true greatness in sport is not just about skill or results - it’s about how one plays the game. We celebrate students who consistently demonstrate outstanding character, integrity, and sportsmanship, both in victory and defeat. Through targeted awards, team reflections, and ongoing coach recognition, we highlight those who embody fairness, respect, humility, and resilience. These students support their teammates, respect opponents, and lead by example, reinforcing the inclusive and values-based foundation of our entire sports programme. By shining a spotlight on sportsmanship, we teach that character matters more than trophies-and that kindness, perseverance, and respect are traits that last far beyond the final whistle.