Selection Process

Building the UAE's national debating squad is a journey that begins with opportunity and ends with excellence. Every year, we open our doors to talented students across the country, searching for those ready to represent the UAE at the World Schools Debating Championship. Our selection process is rigorous, transparent, and designed to give every applicant a fair chance to showcase their potential on the world stage. This journey is open to every eligible student in the UAE, and is entirely free of cost. Students are not charged for anything, from the trials all the way to the rigorous training they receive upon selection.

September - October :
Open Applications

We announce an open call for applications through social media, our website, and school outreach programs. Any student aged 14+ studying full-time in the UAE is eligible to apply. No prior debate experience required.

What we require:

• Written case analysis

• Recorded debate speech

November :
Evaluation & Trials

We engage an independent panel of highly reputed coaches to lead trials, it begins with them carefully reviewing all applications. Shortlisted applicants are invited to Phase 2: an intensive weekend of competitive debating.

What Phase 2 includes:

• 6 rounds of debates

• Testing in multiple speaker positions

• Independent evaluation by top WSDC circuit judges alongside coaches

We select the final squad of 11 debaters based on judge feedback and performance observations.

We begin weekly training sessions with personalized coaching, mentoring, and 24/7 support. We divide the squad into National and Development teams. Both receive elite-level training through May.

What we provide:

• Content-focused sessions

• Live practice debates with feedback

• Tournament participation with coach shadowing

• Continuous performance refinement

December - July :
Squad Training

Our commitment extends far beyond selection. Every student who earns a place, whether in the National Squad or the Development Team, receives world-class training, personalized mentoring, and year-round support, all offered free of cost. Once you are part of the program, you join a community dedicated to excellence, growth, and representing the UAE at the highest levels of debating.

Watch out for announcements on our channels every September.

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