Home Away Sports Festival Celebrates Community and Connection

Apr 13, 2026

71 min

Apr 13, 2026 08:30

Home Away Sports Festival returns with greater impact, celebrating community and connection

## A Day of Sports and Community

The Home Away Sports Festival made a successful return on April 5, 2026, in Dubai, bringing together 196 migrant workers for a day filled with sports and community activities. Organized by Karam Kandhari and Aarin Taurani in partnership with SmartLife Foundation, the event aimed to foster connections through cricket, badminton, and carnival games.

## Inspired by Personal Experiences

The festival was inspired by Sahej Kandhari's experiences at boarding school, where sports helped him feel connected despite being away from home. This year, Karam Kandhari and Aarin Taurani, both students in the UK, expanded the event, emphasizing the importance of community during uncertain times.

## Vibrant Atmosphere and Generous Prizes

Participants enjoyed a lively atmosphere with cricket and badminton tournaments, competing for Dh16,000 in cash prizes. The day included meals, music, and laughter, creating a warm and inclusive environment. Each participant received a t-shirt, water bottle, and a multipurpose torchlight with a speaker.

## Growing Support and Impact

The festival saw increased participation and support from sponsors and volunteers. It raised Dh25,000 for SmartLife's initiatives, extending its impact beyond the event. Abhijeet Oake of SmartLife praised the young organizers for their meaningful contribution.

## A Movement for Connection

As the festival concluded, it was clear that Home Away is evolving into a movement, highlighting the power of shared experiences to create a sense of belonging for those far from home.

Read the full story at the source

What you need to know to get Emirates ID?

Leave your details and get a guide as a gift to avoid mistakes

Article contents