American International School of Abu Dhabi
American International School of Abu Dhabi
AISA Lions compete in four conferences spanning elementary, middle, JV, and varsity levels — connecting our student-athletes with peers across the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
From Grade 4 jamborees to Varsity championship tournaments across the Gulf, every level of AISA Athletics has a competitive home. Information on this page is sourced directly from the official 2025-2026 GAAC, ISAC, EAC, and JEAC handbooks.
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GAAC is AISA's premier international conference, connecting American-curriculum schools across the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. A High School Traveling Team championship conference, GAAC tournaments represent the highest level of competition on AISA's calendar with travel across the GCC. AISA and Dunecrest American School (DAS) joined as new members in 2025-2026.
Member Schools (10)
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Season 1 — Autumn
Season 2 — Winter
Season 3 — Spring
2026-2027 Tournament Schedule
| Season | Event | Location | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍂 Autumn | 🏐 Volleyball | Bahrain | Nov 11–14 |
| 🏊 Swimming | Dubai, UAE | Nov 11–14 | |
| 🎺 Honors Band | TBD | Nov 26–28 | |
| ❄️ Winter | ⚽ Football / Soccer | Qatar | Jan 21–24 |
| 🏀 Basketball | Qatar | Jan 21–24 | |
| 🌐 Model United Nations | Qatar | TBD | |
| 🌸 Spring | 🏸 Badminton | Kuwait | Apr 21–24 |
| 🎾 Tennis | Kuwait | Apr 21–24 | |
| ⛳ Golf | Bahrain | Apr 21–24 | |
| 🏃 Track & Field / Cross Country | Qatar & Bahrain | Apr 21–24 | |
| 📚 Academic Games | Dubai, UAE | Apr 21–24 |
ISAC is a four-school local conference based in Abu Dhabi, providing the foundation for regular-season league play at the Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity levels. With frequent home-and-away matchups and reduced travel, ISAC is the primary competitive home for AISA's broadest pool of student-athletes — including the All-Star awards program at the close of each season.
Member Schools (4)
Core Sports
Invitational Sports
EAC is a six-school Middle School league connecting American-curriculum schools across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Each school plays a five-game league season, with the top four advancing to a one-day final tournament. EAC also operates a development league (DEAC) for less experienced student-athletes, ensuring every AISA Middle School Lion has a place to play.
Full Member Schools (6)
Core Sports
Invitational Sports
JEAC is the elementary version of EAC, designed for student-athletes in Grades 4-6. The focus is on fun, fundamental skill development, sportsmanship, and learning through game play. Grades 4-5 are entirely inclusive of all ability levels, while Grade 6 begins to introduce competitive concepts in preparation for the Middle School EAC program. JEAC events are held as jamborees rather than competitive tournaments, with no individual or team awards.
Full Member Schools (6)
Sports Offered (One Per Season)
A side-by-side overview of the four conferences AISA Lions compete in.
| Conference | Geographic Scope | Levels | # Schools | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAAC | UAE · Qatar · Kuwait · Bahrain · KSA | HS Traveling Team | 10 (8 handbook + AISA + DAS) | Annual Championship Tournaments |
| ISAC | Abu Dhabi (Local) | MS Blue, JV, Varsity | 4 | Home/Away League + Playoffs |
| EAC | UAE (Abu Dhabi & Dubai) | MS Blue (EAC) / MS Yellow (DEAC) | 6 | League + 4-Team Final Tournament |
| JEAC | UAE (Abu Dhabi & Dubai) | Elementary (Gr. 4-6) | 6 | Jamboree (No Awards) |
"Competing across the Gulf — from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Riyadh — teaches our athletes that their community extends far beyond the classroom."
— AISA Athletic Director