SPORT @ DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY - EMIRATES HILLS
Best Sport School Award Application
Director’s message and philosophy
At Dubai International Academy, sport is not simply an activity - it is a lifelong driver of learning, identity, resilience, and personal growth and one of the most powerful forces for shaping character, values, and wellbeing. At our school, sport is a way of life. It is embedded in every layer of our community and curriculum, empowering students with the mindset, habits, and discipline to thrive both in school and beyond. Physical and Health Education is not just a subject; it is a platform for inclusion, a tool for identifying talent, and an essential part of a child’s holistic development.
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We place a strong emphasis on Physical and Health Education literacy - ensuring that every student not only engages in activity but also develops a deep understanding of how their bodies, choices, and environments contribute to long-term health and lifelong learning.
We believe in sport for all. Every student deserves the opportunity to participate, to grow, and to discover their strengths through movement and teamwork. Our structured, vertically aligned programmes offer access to a wide range of sports and physical experiences - ensuring inclusivity at every level while also providing clear developmental pathways for those with competitive ambition.
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Our vision is rooted in the values of dedication, respect, teamwork, and resilience. From early childhood to graduation, students journey through a system that supports their growth not only as student-athletes but also as confident, responsible individuals. For many, this leads to university scholarships and elite pathways – some even pursuing Olympic dreams. But for all, it results in a meaningful relationship with physical activity, a healthy lifestyle, and a set of core values that support lifelong success.
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We are proud to offer a high-performance culture where excellence is expected, but never at the expense of wellbeing. Our commitment to professionalism, care, and innovation has created an environment where every student-regardless of background or ability - has the opportunity to flourish. Whether it’s a first-time participant or a national champion, each learner is supported, celebrated, and inspired to lead an active life with purpose.
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Here at DIA Emirates Hills, sport is not extra – it is essential; it is a culture. It is how we build identity, strengthen community, and shape the future of our youth. It is the foundation of a school culture where every student belongs, every talent is recognised, and every dream – academic, athletic, or Olympic – is within reach.
Director of Sport & Physical and Health Education's Bio
Leading Sport Education with Passion and Purpose
Mihail Kouzev is a transformative leader in global sport education, known for his lifelong commitment to fostering excellence, inclusion, and well-being through sport. With over 25 years of experience in international education and a distinguished athletic background, he blends elite performance with educational impact in a way that few others do. His work focuses on building inclusive, high-impact sports programmes that help young people thrive-on and off the field.
Currently leading the award-winning sports programme at DIA Emirates Hills, Mihail played a central role in the school’s recognition with the HH Hamdan bin Mohammed Order of Merit for Best Sports Education School in Dubai-a first-of-its-kind royal honour. As Group Director of Sport for Innoventures Education, he designs and oversees holistic Physical and Health Education, Co-Curricular, and Enrichment programmes across five international schools, impacting over 9,000 students from more than 105 nationalities.
A five-time Bulgarian National Champion in Modern Pentathlon, Mihail represented Bulgaria at World and European Championships and qualified for the Olympics. He now draws on this experience to shape meaningful youth sport pathways. He is also the Founder of MK Fencing Academy, the UAE’s first fencing centre of excellence, and serves as UIPM Coordinator for the Middle East, helping to develop fencing and modern pentathlon across the region.
In 2024, Mihail was honoured with an exclusive invitation to the Dubai Sports Retreat, held at the Museum of the Future. Organised under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, and attended by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the retreat brought together over 100 global sports leaders, policymakers, and elite athletes to shape Dubai’s sports development strategy through 2033-focusing on community engagement, infrastructure, talent development, and positioning Dubai as a global leader in sport.
The programmes Mihail leads are known for their rigour, inclusivity, and vertical alignment. With a record 86.5% student participation rate in co-curriculars, his work redefines what school sport can achieve. Every student, teacher, and athlete is part of a shared vision for health, fulfilment, and lifelong learning through sport.
Educational Philosophy – Passion for Sport, Education for Life
“Sport changed my life-and through education, I strive to change the lives of others.”
Mihail believes that schools are not just academic institutions-they are communities where values, character, and well-being are developed through Sport and Physical Education. His approach is built on a strong foundation of structured progression, teamwork, resilience, and the belief that sport plays a vital role in shaping confident and compassionate individuals.
From supporting world-class athletes to celebrating a Year 1 student’s first game, Mihail leads by example. He promotes a culture of leadership, joy, and shared success, where every student is challenged and cared for, and where every child has the opportunity to find their place and grow.
Beyond the Field – Scholar | Mentor | Architect of School Sport Culture
Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Physical and Health Education, Mihail’s work explores the impact of physical literacy on the holistic development of adolescents in Europe and the UAE. A certified IB MYP PHE Examiner and Curriculum Contributor, he is also a qualified international judge and coach in multiple disciplines, from fencing and swimming to triathlon and fitness.
His leadership has been profiled by Gulf News, Time Out Dubai, and Gulf Youth Sport, and he is a contributor to international publications on sport development and youth well-being. As a mentor, he inspires coaches and students alike to become ambassadors of sportsmanship and role models for their communities.“My pledge is to continue living and sharing wholeheartedly my passion for sport-every lesson, every game, every day.”
Sport Values & Lifelong Learning
At DIA Emirates Hills, sport is more than a subject -it is a philosophy of life. Our approach to Physical and Health Education and competitive sport is rooted in the belief that the values learned through sport can shape the character of our students and support them well beyond school. We embed key values-resilience, respect, integrity, teamwork, humility, and perseverance-into every lesson, every fixture, and every coaching conversation. These values are not simply taught; they are lived, modelled by coaches, celebrated in assemblies, reflected on by students, and reinforced through student leadership and peer mentorship.
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We use sport as a powerful vehicle for lifelong learning - encouraging students to understand themselves, overcome adversity, work toward goals, and contribute to something bigger than themselves. In victories, they learn humility. In losses, they learn grace and grit. In training, they learn discipline and consistency. In team settings, they learn to lead and follow with equal respect. These lessons are designed to transcend the game, nurturing future adults who are emotionally intelligent, physically confident, and socially responsible.
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We also recognise that not every child will pursue elite sport, but every student deserves to discover their own version of success through physical activity. Whether it’s learning to swim, completing a personal fitness goal, leading warm-ups, or supporting a teammate through injury, every moment becomes a meaningful opportunity to develop lifelong habits and mindsets that support mental, physical, and social well-being.
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By embedding sport values into the fabric of our curriculum, co-curricular life, house competitions, and leadership structures, we ensure that every student-regardless of background or ability - experiences sport as a journey of personal growth. Our aim is to ensure students leave DIA Emirates Hills with more than achievements; they leave with a strong moral compass, healthy lifestyle habits, and the ability to thrive in any environment. This is the true legacy of a values-driven sport culture - one that endures far beyond the final whistle.
Partnerships with Elite Clubs and Federations
Strategic partnerships are a cornerstone of our success at DIA Emirates Hills. We believe that connecting our students to the wider world of professional sport, elite coaching, and national federations creates unmatched opportunities for growth, talent development, and inspiration. These partnerships are carefully curated to ensure quality, relevance, and long-term value, while reflecting our commitment to both excellence and inclusion.
We maintain strong collaborative ties with some of the region’s and the world’s most respected sporting institutions. Our students benefit from direct access to high-level coaching and development pathways through partnerships with elite clubs and academies in fencing, swimming, football, basketball, athletics, and more. We work closely with national federations such as the UAE Fencing Federation and UAE Swimming Federation, allowing our students to be talent-scouted, receive federation-backed training, and represent the nation in official competitions. These relationships are not just symbolic - they create real impact, with DIA students regularly competing at international level events and progressing to Olympic-affiliated development squads.
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Beyond high-performance sport, we also collaborate with organisations focused on health, movement education, and emerging sports, ensuring that every student-not only elite athletes-can benefit from enhanced instruction, mentorship, and exposure. Workshops, guest coaching clinics, and cross-institution training sessions allow students to gain insight into professional training standards, sports science applications, and the lifestyle expectations of elite athletes.
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These partnerships also support our teachers and coaches through professional development opportunities, co-planning, and CPD sessions delivered by external experts. We see these collaborations as mutual - our partners benefit from working with highly motivated students, supportive school infrastructure, and a shared vision for youth development.
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Ultimately, these elite partnerships raise the standard of what’s possible in school sport. They inspire students to dream big, connect with mentors in the field, and understand that through hard work and support, the pathway to national and international sport is not only visible - it is attainable.
Testimonials (students, parents, coaches)
The strength of our sport programme at DIA Emirates Hills is not only measured by medals and achievements, but by the voices of those who live and breathe it -our students, parents, and coaches. Their stories are a testament to the community we’ve built and the transformative role that sport plays in shaping lives.
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Students frequently share how their experience in sport has helped them grow - not only as athletes but as individuals. They speak of confidence gained, friendships formed, and values developed. Whether it’s a young footballer who learned perseverance through selection challenges, a swimmer who overcame personal anxiety to compete nationally, or a Sports Ambassador mentoring juniors, their reflections consistently highlight sport as a powerful source of identity, strength, and belonging. “Sport made me believe in myself,” one student wrote. “I became more than a team player - I became a leader.”
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Parents often express their appreciation for the inclusive and aspirational nature of our programme. They recognise that their children are not just playing a sport, but learning life skills that extend into the home and beyond. Many have shared how their children have become more disciplined, confident, and resilient - qualities that carry over into academics and social relationships. Testimonials also highlight the family-inclusive culture we’ve created, where parents are invited to take part in wellness events, sports days, and even serve as assistant coaches or mentors. “We’ve seen our daughter transform through this programme,” one parent wrote. “She has found her passion, her people, and her purpose.”
Coaches -both internal staff and external experts - regularly reflect on the professionalism and vision that defines DIA sport. They speak of a unique culture where students are both challenged and supported, where growth is the goal, and where every team feels connected to something bigger. Coaches value the respect shown by students, the support from leadership, and the strong sense of shared purpose. “At DIA, coaching is not about drills - it’s about impact,” one coach noted. “We are developing human beings, not just players.”
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These testimonials reveal the heart of our programme: a sport culture that is deeply personal, community-driven, and purpose-led. They give voice to what can’t always be captured in statistics - eal transformation, lasting connection, and the daily joy of belonging to a school where sport truly matters.
Media Gallery & Social Highlights
At DIA Emirates Hills, our vibrant sport culture is captured and celebrated through a dynamic visual presence - on campus, online, and across the wider community. Our Media Gallery and social media channels are more than just a collection of images and highlights; they are a living narrative of student growth, team spirit, and the joy of movement. From early morning fixtures and championship celebrations to house events and inclusive fitness challenges, every moment is thoughtfully documented to reflect the diversity and unity of our sport programme.
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Across platforms such as Instagram, school newsletters, digital displays, and dedicated video reels, we showcase the values that define us: resilience, teamwork, discipline, and passion. Our social media highlights the full scope of our offering - elite achievements, student leadership, inclusive participation, and meaningful community events. Whether it's a fencing gold medal, a water polo debut, a parent-led session during Dubai 30x30, or a quiet moment of peer support on the sidelines, every post is a window into our purpose-led, student-centred approach to sport.
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Our Media Gallery also plays a crucial role in celebrating student identity and motivating participation. Athletes are recognised not only for success but for progress, dedication, and character. Students take pride in being featured, teams feel seen and valued, and parents remain engaged and connected to their child's sporting journey. These stories become points of inspiration, reflection, and aspiration-building school spirit and pride across year levels.
In our pursuit of excellence, we use media not for promotion alone, but to build a shared culture. It allows us to honour the everyday champions – the players who stay late to train, the coaches who guide with care, the teams who give everything they have regardless of the score. Our social presence has become a digital legacy, preserving the story of sport at DIA EH and showcasing a community where effort is valued, and every student matters.
Governmental Events & National Initiatives
At Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills, we proudly align our sport culture with the UAE’s national vision for health, inclusion, and community well-being. Our students, staff, and families actively participate in key national sports initiatives that go far beyond symbolic involvement - they are embraced as vital experiences that strengthen both individual development and civic responsibility.
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Throughout the year, our community takes part in high-impact national events such as the Dubai 30x30 Fitness Challenge, UAE Sports Day, Dubai Run, Dubai Cycle, Dubai Marathon, Burj to Burj Run, and the Expo Walkathon. These initiatives offer meaningful opportunities for students to contribute to the Nation's goals for a healthier society-goals championed by the General Authority of Sports and embedded in the National Sports Strategy 2033, which aims to increase national sports participation to 71% of the population.
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By actively engaging in these events, students experience first-hand the unifying power of sport. From running down Sheikh Zayed Road with thousands of others to cycling in support of well-being, they understand that movement can be more than physical - it can be a tool for pride, purpose, and social cohesion. These national initiatives are also fully embedded into our curriculum and calendar, often supported by parents, coaches, and even student leaders. Guest-led workshops, family fitness events, and student reflections further extend their impact beyond the day itself.
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Our ongoing participation reinforces DIA Emirates Hills as a school that lives its values—connecting sport to service, curriculum to country, and passion to purpose. We don’t just teach students to be athletes; we inspire them to be active citizens who understand that they are part of something greater than themselves. Through sport, we proudly support the UAE’s vision for a strong, healthy, and united society.
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Dubai 30x30 Fitness Challenge
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UAE Sports Day
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Dubai Cycle
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Burj to Burj run
Sports Clubs & Community Partnerships
At Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills, collaboration with esteemed sports clubs and academies is integral to our vision of providing a holistic sports education. These partnerships enhance our students' development through access to specialised coaching, advanced training facilities, and broader competitive platforms. By engaging with organisations such as the Dubai Sports Council and various national sports federations, we ensure our students are part of a dynamic and supportive sports network.
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Our current partners include:
Speedo Swim Squads – Offering comprehensive swimming programmes from teaching through to full national & international level training.
Super Sports Tennis Academy – Introducing tennis as a fun, exciting, and social sport to juniors and adults of various abilities.
ISM Football Academy – Emphasising team play and enjoyment, ensuring every child fulfils their potential while having fun.
MPAC Sports – Providing skill and age-appropriate basketball training for children aged 2.5-18+, focusing on athletic skills and basketball-specific training.
Esperia Volleyball Academy – Focusing on improving volleyball skills and knowledge while building fundamental movement skills in a safe environment.
Dunes Run Athletics & Karate – Offering expert athletics coaching for all levels and karate coaching provided by black belt Sensei with championship experience.
Sportif Academy – Instilling cricketing excellence and a fighting spirit in every player, fostering a healthy environment for students to build character and enhance life skills.
Funkeynastix – A fitness programme developed to build healthy bodies, increase confidence, and help focus minds for better academic results, focusing on basic movement and sports skills.
These collaborations not only elevate the sporting experience but also strengthen our ties with the wider community, reflecting our commitment to nurturing talent and promoting sports as a lifelong pursuit.
https://www.diadubai.com/paid-co-curricular-activities-dia-eh
Student Leadership in Sport
At DIA Emirates Hills, we believe that the true power of sport lies not only in participation, but in leadership. We intentionally cultivate student leadership as a key pillar of our sport culture - empowering young people to become role models, motivators, and agents of positive change within their teams and school community.
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Our Sports Ambassadors Programme is at the heart of this vision. Selected for their character, dedication, and ability to lead by example, ambassadors represent the voice of student athletes. They mentor younger players, assist with school events, promote inclusion, and help foster a sense of unity across primary and secondary levels. These roles are not symbolic - they are active, hands-on, and highly visible, building confidence, communication, and a sense of responsibility.
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In addition to our ambassador programme, students take on leadership through team captaincy, officiating intra-school games, leading warm-ups, and supporting junior sessions. Our Ambassadors pathway enables students to gain formal leadership credentials, combining theory with real-world practice.
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These opportunities are open to all - not only high-performing athletes - ensuring that leadership in sport is recognised as a mindset, not a medal. Students who engage in these roles gain a deeper appreciation for the role of service, humility, and initiative in sport and life. Many go on to lead within school, apply these skills in university admissions, and continue to shape teams and communities far beyond graduation.
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By embedding leadership into the sporting experience, we ensure that students do more than play the game - they help shape its culture. This is how we build not just great athletes, but confident, respectful, and empowered young leaders.
Innovation & AI in Sport & Health Education
At DIA Emirates Hills, innovation is not an accessory to our Sport and Physical & Health Education (PHE) programme - it is a defining principle. We approach innovation as a mindset that fuels curiosity, prepares students for a changing world, and ensures that physical education evolves alongside the technological and social shifts shaping the future of human performance and well-being. Our aim is not just to teach sport, but to transform how students understand, experience, and apply movement in meaningful ways throughout life.
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Our curriculum is intentionally designed to promote inquiry, student agency, and authentic real-world application. Through practices such as SMART goal setting, video movement analysis, and reflective fitness journaling, students develop not only physical competence, but also the metacognitive skills to take ownership of their progress. Units on mental health, nutrition, recovery science, and cognitive performance are blended with traditional skill development - creating a learning environment that is academically rigorous, relevant, and holistic. Our students also engage with global fitness trends through HYROX-inspired workshops, progressive performance testing, and functional training that reflect modern movement cultures. The use of wearable fitness tech, heart rate monitors, and digital tracking apps encourages students to monitor and personalise their own health data, supporting a culture of lifelong wellness and informed decision-making.
As we enter the era of artificial intelligence, our PHE department is embracing the power of AI to personalise, enhance, and redefine the sport and fitness experience for students. AI-driven tools are now integrated into assessment, feedback, and training design - allowing both students and teachers to make data-informed decisions and reflect more deeply on progress. Using platforms with motion capture technology and AI-powered biomechanics analysis, students can review their form, posture, and movement efficiency with a level of precision previously only available to elite athletes. AI is also transforming the way we plan, differentiate, and support. Our teachers utilise AI-assisted performance profiling and fitness diagnostics to adapt training plans to individual needs. In addition, students engage with AI-powered platforms that recommend exercise sequences, recovery strategies, or nutritional feedback based on their unique goals and real-time data. These systems foster independence while still being grounded in coaching expertise. We also explore ethical discussions around AI in sport, promoting critical thinking and digital literacy. Students are encouraged to question: How much should we rely on data? Can technology replace intuition? This positions our learners not only as users of innovation - but as thoughtful contributors to the future of sport.
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Innovation at DIA EH extends far beyond equipment. Our collaboration with elite coaches and external clubs ensures exposure to cutting-edge methodologies and international best practices. Through emerging sports like triathlon, aquathlon, climbing, and functional fitness, students are introduced to the future of movement and new expressions of athletic identity. Our Co-Curricular Activities model supports experimentation, student-led fitness initiatives, and alternative pathways for engagement - reinforcing our belief that physical education should be inclusive, progressive, and inspiring. Staff are also part of this innovation culture. Continuous professional development, cross-curricular planning, and the integration of student feedback keep our practice relevant and dynamic. We believe that teachers must model innovation as learners themselves—adapting with purpose, reflecting with intent, and leading with vision.
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At DIA Emirates Hills, innovation in sport is not about replacing tradition - it’s about expanding it. By combining cutting-edge tools with timeless values, we prepare students to become healthy, agile, and thoughtful individuals who are ready to thrive in a complex, technology-rich, and ever-evolving world.
Sustainability in Sport
At DIA Emirates Hills, we are committed to promoting sustainability not only in academics, but within our sports culture and everyday practices. As a leading international school, we recognise that sport has a powerful role to play in modelling environmental awareness, encouraging mindful choices, and teaching students that excellence must be matched with responsibility.
Sustainability in sport at DIA begins with our education-based approach. Students learn how physical activity and environmental stewardship are interconnected - through classroom discussions, active campaigns, and cross-curricular units that link health, sustainability, and civic action. We explore topics such as the environmental impact of major sports events, sustainable sporting gear, hydration choices, and the role of physical activity in promoting cleaner, healthier cities.
We integrate sustainable practices into our events and everyday operations. From encouraging reusable water bottles and limiting single-use plastics at fixtures, to implementing eco-conscious uniform options and reducing waste at Sports Days, students are empowered to make decisions that reflect care for the planet. Many of our sport facilities use energy-efficient systems and multi-use design to reduce our footprint while maximising access and participation.
We also align with national and global movements, connecting our actions to the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and wider conversations about youth leadership in climate-conscious decision-making. Students are involved in green campaigns within sport, including walk-to-school initiatives, cycling challenges, and clean-up activities connected to outdoor education.
Our coaches and sports leaders model eco-responsibility by integrating sustainability goals into event planning, team logistics, and co-curricular offerings. Parent volunteers and sports clubs are also encouraged to align with our green vision - further strengthening the message that sport can and must be a force for environmental good.
By embedding sustainability into the heart of sport, we teach students to protect what they love. Through movement, teamwork, and leadership, they are empowered to contribute not only to their teams - but to a healthier, more sustainable world.