The Overlord Academy in Dubai
ABOUT US
Save your spot at the troops
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Next Intake in September 2026
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Save your spot at the troops ♢ Next Intake in September 2026 ♢
“We want to teach young people how to become inspirational leaders, effective team players, confident decision makers and more resilient individuals in the outdoors, so that they can thrive in later life.”
Rez, Managing Director
All of our instructors are previous British Military, Cadets or knowledgeable Outdoor Education professionals. Some have graduated from the famous officer training academy in the UK known as the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). All of them come with lots of experience to share.
All our instructors have proven experience of leading teams in austere environments and how to survive in the field. They are now ready to share this with you too.
The Overlord Academy was founded in Dubai by a team of British ex-military professionals in 2020.
Created as the UAE’s original youth cadet club, T.O.A was built to give children the opportunity to learn practical life skills through adventure, teamwork and outdoor experiences.
Since then, the Academy has grown to work with families, schools and organisations across the UAE, delivering weekly cadet programmes, school activities, expeditions and residential experiences.
Today, T.O.A continues to help young people build confidence, resilience, leadership and skills for life.
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Rez Dinari
Managing Director
A passionate sportsman and combat support instructor. He has served for over 15 years in the British Royal Air Force (RAF) reaching the rank of Sergeant. He has deployed all over the world delivering combat support to the Chinook (helicopter) Force. He has also been a qualified military instructor for the past 10 years, heading up the school for all operational deployment training for the RAF.
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Caroline Rattray
Cadet Club General Manager
Caroline spent 4 years with the British Officer Training Corp and has been a qualified medical professional for 15 years in the UK with experience in management and teaching. Caroline has a thirst for adventure and the outdoors, a keen mountaineer and trail runner. A Mum of two boys, she has a passion for introducing the outdoors and adventure to our younger generation.
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Al Murie
Training Manager
Al served as a Commando in the British Army for 15 years and reached the rank of Sergeant Major. He served in many countries around the world and on a number of combat tours. He has a deep lover of nature and the great outdoors, is a keen desert driver and a fan of cooking on the fire. A father of 4, Al loves passing on his knowledge of the outdoors to them and to the future generations of young adventurers at The Overlord Academy.
JOIN A TROOP
Age 6 - 7 (Year 2)
What is an Explorer? An Explorer is the youngest member of our academy. Through a playful and game-like approach, we lay the groundwork for their journey of exploration and learning.
Age 7- 9 (Year 3 & 4)
What is a Patroller? A Patroller is a younger member of our academy. They are eager to get hands on and learn new life skills from an early age that sets them up to join the older troops.
Age 9 - 11 (Year 5 & 6)
What is a Pioneer? The meaning of Pioneer is someone who sees potential, a leader who is willing to try new things. A Pioneer pushes boundaries to advance a cause sometimes by overcoming great challenges.
Age 12-16 (Year 7 to 11)
What is a Ranger? In the military a Ranger is part of a highly trained army unit used to conduct special operations. They are ready for anything, able to work in complex environments
Each troop is designed for a target age group
“Our daughter learnt important life skills, gaining a confidence & autonomy beyond her years during her three years with The Overlord Academy. A tremendous institution & I thoroughly recommend it for all children & parents.”
Mark Wellington - TOA Parent
“Both my sons were with The Overlord Academy for more than 3 years and they loved it. They learned so much from it and enjoyed every bit of their experience there. Thanks to all the staffs.”
Kaouter Afkir - TOA Parent
“My daughter has been part of TOA for the last 4 years, and as parents we believe is one of the best activities that a kid has in Dubai. It teaches discipline, respect, life values, surviving skills, first aid tips, resilience, physical endurance, team work, friendship.. and much more, always having fun and enjoying all the outdoor scenarios that UAE offers. The camps are so well organised that I wish I was still young to be able to participate 😁”
Marika Mattiazzi - TOA Parent
