PADSIS UAE Conference Abu Dhabi 2026

Thursday, 3 September 2026 at Cranleigh College Abu Dhabi

Dates & Venues

Welcome to the first ever inaugural Conference of PADSIS UAE. After a sellout conferences last year in Dubai and the UK, PADSIS is delighted to be coming to Abu Dhabi In association with Aldar Education and ADISSA.

This is a specialist event for the leaders of sport in Gulf schools. Its purpose is to enable Directors of Sport, Aspiring Directors of Sport and Heads of PE to stay abreast of current developments and initiatives within the shifting landscape of school sport.

Much is changing, especially in the Gulf and schools have to manage competing demand for competitive success and wider engagement. This is impacting upon the role of the heads of sports – whatever their job title - whose priorities have shifted to leadership, culture building and quality control. This demands new approaches and a changed skill set. The Conference will address the environment of contemporary school sport, and consider the issues currently facing its leaders. The aim is to educate and develop both the programmes and the people responsible for them.

Meeting the requirements and aspirations of curriculum change, demands a wide understanding of sector challenges, and a clear vision of what is best for each individual school. Leading a diverse range of staff from different backgrounds requires inspiring leadership and efficient management. The Conference content seeks to address both of these.

There will also be an opportunity to network with like-minded professionals within the convivial environment of Cranleigh College.

Programme

8.00am	Conference assembles Refreshments
8.30am	Preparing for the Future of School Sport Neil Rollings, PADSIS
9.00am	The Long Win: Redefining Lasting Success in School Sport Dr Cath Bishop, Olympian
10.00am	Refreshment break
10.15am	The Next Curriculum: New Direction for Physical Education Kate Thornton-Bousfield
11.00am	Discussion Forum: Issues in UAE Sport
12.00pm	Lunch
12.45pm	Seminar Session One Delegates select one of the following sessions: either Leading and Managing PE and Sports Staff Neil Rollings or Implementing Change in School PE Kate Thornton-Bousfield or Beginners Guide to Using SOCS in Abu Dhabi James Kershaw Naylor
1.30pm	Seminar Session Two Delegates select one of the following sessions: either Building Meaningful Connection in School Sport Dr Cath Bishop or Contemporary Best Practice in School Rugby: An RFU Guide Neil Rollings or SOCS: New Functions for Advanced Users James Kershaw Naylor
2.30pm	Conference Disperses