Abu dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today inaugurated the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, taking place from 18 to 23 December at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event was graced by the presence of His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
According to Emirates News Agency, His Highness welcomed all participants and wished them success in their competitions. He emphasized that the UAE's hosting of the event underscores its growing role as a global hub for innovation in future sports, which combines athletic competition with cutting-edge technology. His Highness also highlighted that the event serves as a platform for youth worldwide to engage in dialogue, build mutual understanding, and compete in a spirit of friendship in the UAE.
The opening ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and other distinguished guests from the UAE and abroad.
More than 850 athletes from over 60 countries are competing in the event, which merges the excitement of live sports with the strategy, precision, and innovation of digital gaming. This edition features a diverse and competitive line-up in the world of hybrid sports, where physical prowess meets digital skill, and traditional athletics seamlessly integrates with advanced gaming.
The opening ceremony included the UAE national anthem, visual displays, storytelling elements highlighting the athletes, and segments incorporating advanced technologies. His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, in his opening speech, stressed the UAE's dedication to innovation, youth empowerment, and the advancement of future sports. He stated that the event reinforces Abu Dhabi's status as a global centre for hybrid sports that unite the digital and physical realms.
His Excellency remarked, 'This event is about more than competition. The Games of the Future reflects how today's generation already lives, learns, and competes - moving seamlessly between physical and digital worlds. By hosting this event, Abu Dhabi is creating a platform that recognises young talent, builds future-ready skills, and connects sport with innovation in a meaningful way.'