The UAE Rugby Federation has decided to bring its 2025-26 league competitions to an early close after a review of the season with club representatives.
The decision was made following consultation with Rugby Club Management, the body that represents the clubs, and was based on team availability across the leagues as well as wider operational and player welfare concerns.
The federation said a number of clubs are dealing with problems including access to training space and pitches, player numbers, and insurance-related issues. Those factors made it difficult for the season to continue as planned.
Subject to formal confirmation to the clubs, UUDS Tuskers 1 and UAE Shaheen will move up from Division 1 to the Premiership for next season. Barrelhouse RFC 1 are set to be promoted from Division 2 to Division 1.
The move gives the federation a clearer path to start planning next season’s competition structure.
UAERF said the process was handled in consultation with clubs and that fairness across the game was the main priority in reaching the decision.
For the mini and youth leagues, no champions or runners-up will be named for the 2025-26 season. The current standings will instead be treated as final.
The federation has asked clubs to keep training where possible and to work together on sharing facilities when they can.
