Curtin University Dubai has proudly partnered with Danube Sports World to successfully launch the inaugural Inter-University Sports Fest 2025, a milestone event that brought together university students from across the UAE in a celebration of athletic excellence, teamwork, and student engagement.
The partnership was officially commemorated on 5 May 2025 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding – for sporting excellence and the development of student engagement at Danube Sports World. Professor Ammar Kaka – Academic President and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Curtin Dubai – and Mr. Rashid Meeran, Business Head of Danube Sports World, were in attendance to inaugurate the competition.
Hosted for the first time by Curtin Dubai at Danube Sports World, the Sports Fest welcomed over 700 students from 15 universities—both girls and boys—to compete across five different sports including football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and throwball. The event aimed to unite university athletes and promote an active sporting culture within the UAE university sports fraternity by highlighting rising talent while fostering inclusivity and collaboration.
“This partnership with Danube Sports World is a major step in Curtin’s commitment to holistic student development,” said Professor Ammar Kaka, Pro Vice-Chancellor and President of Curtin University Dubai. “We’re fostering a culture of excellence that helps students grow as individuals, teammates, and future leaders.”
Rashid Meeran, Business Head at Danube Sports World, shared:
“We are thrilled to partner with Curtin University Dubai as the Official Venue Sponsor for the first-ever Curtin Sports Fest. At Danube Sports World, we believe in the power of sport to unite, inspire, and nurture young talent. Hosting over 700 student-athletes under one roof is not just a celebration of competition, but a celebration of community and youth empowerment. We have enjoyed an action-packed week!”
The Curtin Sports Fest brought together students from various institutions, encouraging healthy competition and inter-university camaraderie. It also laid the foundation for an annual tradition that promotes student well-being, unity, and leadership through sport.
Celebrating the Champions of the Inaugural Curtin Sports Fest 2025
| Basketball | Football | Volleyball | Throwball (Girls) | Badminton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boys Winners: Bath Spa University | Boys Winners: Heriot-Watt University | Boys Winners: BITS Pilani Dubai | Winners: Manipal University | Boys Winners: BITS Pilani Dubai |
| Girls Winners: BITS Pilani Dubai | Girls Winners: Heriot-Watt University | Girls Winners: Bath Spa University | Runners-up: Curtin University Dubai | Girls Winners: Manipal University |
| Boys Runners-up: Curtin University Dubai | Boys Runners-up: Gulf Medical University | Boys Runners-up: Bath Spa University | Boys Runners-up: Bath Spa University | |
| Girls Runners-up: De Montfort University | Girls Runners-up: Westford University College | Girls Runners-up: University of Stirling | Girls Runners-up: Westford University College |
As the final whistle blows on this year’s fest, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning.
Curtin University Dubai and Danube Sports World have ignited a new era of student sports in the UAE, one that promotes passion, community, and the transformative power of coming together through sport.
This is one of many strategic MOUs Curtin Dubai has signed with industry partners to enhance student life across diverse fields including sport, innovation, and the performing arts.
