Look: Teams battle in Dubai Games for Dh3.1 million prize pool after intense training

Khaleej Times

20-02-2025

Having flown all the way from Scotland, Graeme Smith stood proudly amidst a cheering crowd and applauded for her daughter, Rachael Forbes. Rachael was among the participants competing for the Ministry of Education in the Battle of the Government, part of the Dubai Games held on Thursday, February 20.
'I arrived on Saturday just to support her,' said Graeme. Along with her stood Marie Forbes, Rachel's husband, who took a day off work to support his wife in her second year at this event. 'We love to come and be here with her,' Marie said. 'The atmosphere here is amazing, and being part of such an inspiring event feels great. It's not just about winning but being part of something bigger.'
Under the bright Dubai sun, a competitive atmosphere enveloped the Dubai Games, where government teams from various ministries engaged in thrilling competitions. Each team faced a series of challenging obstacles designed to test their strength and resilience. With an overall prize fund exceeding Dh3.1 million, the Battle of the Government for both men and women was set to compete for Dh500,000.
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As families gathered to support their loved ones, the excitement was palpable. The cheers of trainers filled the grounds, rallying their teams and fuelling their determination. Months of rigorous training culminated in this moment, and the teams were ready to give it all.
Tara Cooney, a sports specialist and captain of the Ministry of Education team, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. 'Every year, the Dubai Games gets bigger and better. The challenges are tough, but they foster teamwork and collaboration,' she said, noting that their team had over 300 sign-ups just for trials this year.
Andrew Wilks, the trainer for the Ministry of Education team, emphasised the importance of teamwork in their training. 'We've focused not only on physical strength but also on communication skills. In stressful environments, precise communication is key to overcoming obstacles,' he explained. 'Last year, our girls won first place, and we are aiming to defend our title.'
As the competition kicked off, the sound of cheers and encouragement echoed across the venue. Families watched eagerly, their support evident as participants tackled each challenge. "It's more than just a game; it's about community and collaboration," Andrew concluded.
Rawdha Qatami Almansoori, a participant from Dewa, reflected on her journey since the inception of the Dubai Games in 2018. 'This is our sixth year, and I've witnessed our team's growth firsthand. We've secured second place three times, and each year, the competition becomes increasingly fierce. But it's the spirit of teamwork that drives us. The support from our authority is incredible, and the turnout keeps growing.'
Meanwhile, Saud Alsuwaidi, senior manager of Employee Engagement at Dubai Airport, explained how their male team prepared for the games. 'We started training in August, conducting evaluations to select our team. As the competition neared, our training increased to three times a week to ensure we're in top shape,' he said. 'The flexibility our authority provides allows us to balance work and training effectively.'
Launched in 2018 as 'Gov Games' under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council, the event aimed to promote teamwork and strategic thinking. in 2025, the tournament was rebranded as 'Dubai Games', reflecting Dubai's leadership as a global hub for sporting events.
The event, which will conclude on Sunday, February 23, will offer prizes across various categories. In addition to the Battle of the Government, the Battle of the Community will award Dh500,000 for 1st place. In the Battle of the Cities, the top prize will also be Dh500,000 for 1st place and Dh250,000 for 2nd place, while the prizes for the Battle of the Juniors are Dh70,000 for the first place.