In collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Federal Youth Authority (FYA) organised the University Debate Championship 2025, bringing together 80 male and female students from 16 academic institutions across the UAE.
The competition sought to strengthen students’ debate, persuasion, and critical thinking skills, as well as to promote a culture of constructive dialogue and respect for others. It also shed light on Emirati youth’s intellectual aptitude and their role in discussing community issues with deep awareness and responsibility.
The Championship focused on three main themes that reflect the youth’s awareness regarding issues that affect society and its future needs, namely: transforming volunteer work into an official assessment requiring members of society to do community work; enhancing the role of artificial intelligence in serving the elderly; and exploring freelance work as a sustainable career option and an alternative to government jobs.
The team representing the Abu Dhabi Police College won the 2025 edition of the Championship, after an exceptional performance that reflected its analytical capabilities, critical thinking, and ability to present scientific, evidence-based arguments.
Several other universities also won various awards, including the Most Interactive University award, which went to the University of Khorfakkan; the Strongest Logical Argument award, presented to the Imam Malik College for Sharia and Law; and the Excellence in Rhetorical Impact award, secured by the Higher Colleges of Technology. Meanwhile, Asmaa Omar Al Zarooni from Umm Al Quwain University won the Best Speaker award.
The University Debate Championship 2025 recorded notable turnout from universities across the country, where students competed in intellectual debates using scientific evidence and credible data, and were evaluated by a judging panel, as well as the public.
The competition enabled young participants to acquire knowledge and develop their research and expression skills, providing them with a competitive environment that encourages creativity and strengthens confidence in their ability to shape a more conscious and responsible future.
