Physical education in UAE gained significant momentum this week with the inaugural Cognita Middle East PE and Sport Conference, an event designed to elevate sports education across the country’s leading international schools. Hosted in Dubai, the event welcomed over 70 physical education professionals from eight Cognita schools across the UAE for a day of expert-led workshops, strategy sessions, and high-impact networking.
Adding to the impact, Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah made a surprise appearance, delivering an inspiring keynote that underscored the transformative role of PE teachers in shaping future champions. Addressing the assembled educators, he said:
“It was my own PE teacher who played a crucial role in my life. I want to inspire staff and show them that they can make a real difference.”
Sir Mo also shared insights from his personal journey—four Olympic gold medals and six world championships—while emphasising the vital role of movement in children’s mental and physical wellbeing.
“I’m passionate about getting children and young people active. I want them to learn and see the benefits of exercise in terms of both their physical and mental health,” he added.
Uniting Educators for Excellence in Physical Education in UAE
The conference, held at Cognita Middle East’s headquarters, brought together PE teams from Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, the Repton Family of Schools, Horizon English School, Horizon International School, Ranches Primary School, and Al Ain English Speaking School. This collaborative initiative signals a unified commitment to advancing physical education in UAE through best practices and progressive pedagogy.
Sessions focused on modern strategies for youth athletic development, long-term athlete pathways, and embedding confidence, resilience, and teamwork through school sport. Educators also explored how physical education supports the UAE’s national goals for student wellbeing and elite sporting achievement.
A New Benchmark for Sport Education
David Baldwin, CEO of Cognita Middle East, praised the success of the event:
“We’re incredibly proud to host our first-ever Cognita Middle East PE and Sport Conference. Bringing together our exceptional PE teams from across the UAE ensures a unified, forward-thinking approach to student development through sport. With the inspiring presence of Sir Mo Farah, this event has set a new standard for collaboration and excellence in physical education.”
Ongoing Commitment to Student Wellbeing
Cognita Middle East continues to prioritise sport and wellbeing as core pillars of its educational philosophy. The PE and Sport Conference is part of the group’s broader mission to empower students. Not just academically but also through physical achievement, fostering lifelong habits of health, discipline, and confidence.
About Cognita
Launched in 2004, Cognita is an extraordinary community of schools that span 16 countries and share one common purpose: to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. With over 100 schools in Europe and the US, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, Cognita employs over 18,000 teaching and support staff in the care and education of more than 90,000 students. Together, Cognita schools provide a uniquely global education that goes beyond grades, to develop all-round academic excellence – equipping young people with the agency, adaptability and positive attitudes that prepares them to grow, thrive and find their success in a rapidly evolving world.
Cognita Middle East has nine schools within its portfolio, including: RGS Guildford Dubai, Repton Dubai, Repton Al Barsha and Repton Abu Dhabi, Horizon English School, Horizon International School, Ranches Primary School and Al Ain English Speaking School in the UAE, and Dasman Bilingual School in Kuwait.
For more information, visit the Cognita Group website below:
Further Reading:
- Repton School Dubai Appoints Michael Bloy as New Principal for 2025/26
- Joakim Noah, NBA Legend, Inspires Repton Abu Dhabi’s Junior NBA Players
- Horizon International School Announces Appointment of New Principal
- Ranches Primary School Appoints Steve Arnold as New Principal to Lead Its Next Phase of Growth