UAE President Inaugurates Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: President of the United Arab Emirates His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday inaugurated the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, being held from December 18 to 23 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), in the presence of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Ilham Aliyev.
Welcoming participants from around the world, His Highness wished all athletes success in their competitions. He said the UAE’s hosting of the Games of the Future reflects its growing role as a global hub for innovation in future sports, a field that combines athletic competition with advanced technology to meet the aspirations of the next generation.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed noted that the event also provides an important platform for young people from different countries to engage in dialogue, strengthen mutual understanding, and compete in a spirit of friendship in the UAE.
The opening ceremony was attended by 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 a number of senior officials, ministers, and heads of participating delegations.
Also present were His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President; His Excellency Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President on Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs; and Her Excellency Tatyana Golikova, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, along with other distinguished guests.
More than 850 athletes from over 60 countries are competing in the event, which blends live sports with the strategy, precision, and innovation of digital gameplay. The 2025 edition features the most diverse and competitive line-up to date in hybrid sports, where physical performance meets digital skill and traditional athletics merges with advanced gaming.
The opening ceremony featured the UAE national anthem, immersive visual displays, and storytelling segments highlighting athletes, incorporating cutting-edge technologies.
In his opening address, Faisal Al Bannai underlined the UAE’s commitment to innovation, youth empowerment, and the advancement of future sports. He said hosting Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 further reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global centre for hybrid sports that connect the physical and digital worlds.
“This event is about more than competition. The Games of the Future reflects how today’s generation lives, learns, and competes — seamlessly moving between physical and digital worlds,” he said. “By hosting this event, Abu Dhabi is creating a platform that recognises young talent, builds future-ready skills, and meaningfully connects sport with innovation.”
