The Abu Dhabi Schools’ International

formerly The ARCH Tournament

Currently Inviting Entries for 2025

The Abu Dhabi Schools’ International, formerly known as The ARCH Tournament, started in 2006. It takes place every Easter in the UAE and is now the world’s largest international cricket tournament for schools. The Cup provides a unique overseas experience to develop U15s and test 1st XI talent.

Our 2024 event was another resounding success. It saw Peter’s York 1st XI team secure the Trophy, and Tonbridge School claim the U15 ARCH Cup.

Click here for full details of the 2024 Tournament Results.

The Abu Dhabi Schools’ International offers

✓ Fixtures at world class venues

✓ Top-rate international opposition

✓ Live streaming of selected matches

✓ 40-over matches including day/night fixture

✓ Guaranteed four matches on turf wickets plus training sessions

✓ Extensive range of cultural, fun and educational downtime options

Places are strictly limited. Contact our team to be part of the 2025 line-up.

Who competes? We welcome schools from the UK and overseas every year, and invite the strongest UAE-based teams to play our international guests. Current and former winners include St. Peter’s York, Winchester College, Epsom College, Gillespie Academy from Australia, Benoni High School & Waterstone College from South Africa, St. Kentigern’s from New Zealand, Dubai College from the UAE and Eastbourne College from the UK.

What does the Cup offer? The Abu Dhabi Schools’ International enables schools and academies to compete against opposition they otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to play. It also provides a cost effective way for junior teams to play on professional standard wickets at world-class venues. It is delivered by Sporta Tours in partnership with Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub and Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

When is it? The Cup takes place every Easter in the UAE with 2025 dates secured for:

✓ 1st XI Cup – 6 – 11 April 2025

✓ U15 Cup – 8 – 13 April 2025

The Abu Dhabi Schools’ International Package In addition to tournament entry, our package includes direct flights, all ground transportation and accommodation, with a choice of excellent group-friendly hotels.

You can also count on 24/7 Sporta Tours team liaison from the moment you touch down to departure. To help schools get the most from their time on tour we tailor every itinerary to incorporate varied cultural, fun, sporting and educational activities.

“An excellent tour and one you all do brilliantly. We felt very well looked after and all the Sporta staff we dealt with were fantastic.”

Michael Powell, Rugby School

“Another well organised tour from Sporta. To train and play at The Int’l Stadium in Abu Dhabi was an experience our cricketers will never forget.”

Shelvin Gumbs, Bradfield College

“Sporta know what they’re doing from start to finish and make the running of a tour easy for a trip leader.”

Ian McGowan, Merchant Taylor’s School

✓ 7 / 8 day

✓ Excellent quality accommodation

✓ Entry into the Abu Dhabi World Schools’ Cup

✓ Match food and water

✓ Live streaming of selected matches

✓ All ground transportation in the UAE

✓ Airport ‘meet and greet’ service

✓ Dedicated Sporta Tours team liaison

✓ Use of a local mobile phone

✓ Extensive range of excursion options

✓ World-class cricket venues

✓ U15 & U19 / 1st XI categories

✓ Well matched competition from international schools

✓ ECB ACO umpires

✓ Choice of 4* & 5* accommodation

✓ Great weather & safe destination

✓ Award-winning cultural excursions

✓ Extensive range of downtime options

✓ Direct flights & ground transportation

✓ Sporta Tours team liaison

✓ Potential to combine tours with major sporting events

Day – Travel day, departing the UK in the evening.

Day 1 – Arrive in the UAE to a Sporta meet & great and short transfer to your hotel for check-in. Transfer to The Sevens Stadium for self-led training sessions, nets & outfield.

Day 2 – First match day at The Sevens Stadium preceded by a warm-up session at the facility. Hot lunch between innings and water throughout the day. Return to your hotel with time for a visit to the beach or Wild Wadi Waterpark.

Day 3 – Second match day at The Sevens Stadium. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure with time and time to explore your surroundings.

Day 4 – Explore Dubai Creek & lunch at The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding or visit the renowned Karama Market. After lunch embark on a desert safari with a BBQ dinner and cultural show under the stars. Transfer to Abu Dhabi.

Day 5 – Third match within the prestigious Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub with a warm-up session before and a buffet lunch between innings plus water throughout the day. Check into your new hotel followed by a visit to the Yas Marina F1 Circuit and chance to cycle the track in the evening.

Day 6 – Enjoy a free day and chance to explore Abu Dhabi or spend some time poolside. Day/Night match and hot evening meal.

Day 7 – Check out of your hotel in the morning leaving baggage in storage. Transfer to The Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub for Finals Day. Enjoy the Abu Dhabi Schools’ International closing ceremony event in the evening before your final transfer to the airport for your return flight(s).

*Sample itinerary – our tailored packages are created according to schools’ individual requirements and budget.

Our package for the Abu Dhabi World Schools’ Cricket Cup offers a choice of excellent quality 4* and 5* hotels and apartment-hotels, all specially selected for their suitability for touring groups. Apartment-hotels are a popular option, allowing more people to room together. This often provides a better tour experience for students and makes for an easier arrangement for schools to manage.

Our accommodation options are also chosen for their location. It means transfer times are kept to a minimum and teams are within easy reach of nearby restaurants and attractions, whether city-based or near the beach.

Packages include breakfast as standard. Our selected hotels and apartment-hotels feature gyms, pools and lounge areas for groups to enjoy during their downtime too.

2024 – St. Peter’s York, UK (Trophy) & Tonbridge School (Cup)

2023 – Winchester College, UK (Trophy), Epsom College A, UK (Cup) & Epsom College B, UK (Shield)

2019 – Cheltenham College, UK (Trophy), Gillespie Academy, Australia (Cup) & Epsom College, UK (Shield)

2018 – Eton College, UK (Cup)

2017 – Stowe School, UK (Trophy), Bedford College, UK (Cup) & Midland Academy, UK (Shield)

2016 – Zayed Academy, UAE (Trophy) & Zayed Academy, UAE (Cup)

2015 – Waterstone College, South Africa (Trophy) & Zayed Academy, UAE (Cup)

2014 – Zayed Academy, UAE (Trophy) & Zayed Academy (Cup)

2013 – Zayed Academy, UAE (Trophy)

2012 – Bradfield College, United Kingdom (Trophy)

2011 – Stowe School, United Kingdom (Trophy)

2010 – St Kentigern College, New Zealand (Trophy)