Games of the Future 2025 to be held in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi will host the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 from December 18 to 23 at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The event is held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is powered by ADNOC.

The opening ceremony will take place on December 17. The games will bring together athletes who are skilled in both physical sports and digital games. This special mix is known as phygital sports. The event’s theme is “Next Gen Human. Play the Future.”

Phygital sports combine real-life sports with digital games. Teams first play in a virtual game and then compete again in a real sports arena. The final score is based on both results. This new style of sport shows how technology and real-life skills are coming together in today’s world.

More than 850 players from over 60 countries will take part in the Games of the Future 2025. They will compete in 11 different sports. Participants include top clubs, young talents, and new players from around the world.

Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President and Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council, said the games reflect the thinking of a new generation. He said Abu Dhabi is proud to host an event that supports youth, innovation, and future technologies.

The Games of the Future will feature famous athletes, top esports players, and new phygital sports experts. The event is expected to bring high excitement as players compete both on screens and on the field. The games show how sports are changing in a world that is more connected than ever.

Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said the event is setting a new global standard for phygital sports. He said the fast growth of this sport shows strong global interest, and Abu Dhabi is ready to host a world-class competition.

Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, said technology is changing sports in many ways. He explained that digital tools, gaming systems, and live data are creating new challenges for athletes and new excitement for fans.

The match draw has already confirmed the opening games for most sports. Teams will compete to reach the finals and win a total prize pool of US$5 million.

Along with the games, Abu Dhabi will also host the Phygital Sports Summit on December 17. The summit will bring together experts, athletes, leaders, and innovators to talk about the future of hybrid sports.

The summit will include speeches and discussions about sports and technology, artificial intelligence, youth participation, athlete health, and the future of phygital competition. It will be hosted by Amy Jane Gillingham, Mohammed Al Hosani, and Sabine Sassine.

Special guests expected at the summit include UAE Minister of Sports Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Bahrain’s Minister of Youth Affairs Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi, Sheikha Dina bint Rashed Al Khalifa of Bahrain, and Türkiye’s Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Osman Aşkın Bak.

The Phygital Sports Summit aims to strengthen the global phygital sports community and highlight Abu Dhabi as a leading center for innovation in modern sports.

The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 is organized by ASPIRE, with Ethara as the event delivery partner and Phygital International as the global rights holder. The event is supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the UAE Ministry of Sports.