Abu dhabi: Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, powered by ADNOC, will take place from 18-23 December at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The opening ceremony is set for 17th December, heralding a unique convergence of digital and physical sports excellence.
According to Emirates News Agency, phygital sport, which combines traditional athletic competition with digital formats, will be the focus. Athletes will compete in both virtual and physical arenas, with their combined scores determining the winners. This hybrid model reflects a growing intersection of technology and real-world performance, with over 850 participants from 60 countries competing across 11 disciplines.
Faisal al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President and Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), emphasized the significance of phygital sport as a reflection of a new generation's mindset. He highlighted Abu Dhabi's role in hosting the event as a platform for youth empowerment, innovation, and community building around future technologies.
The Games of the Future will feature athletes excelling in both physical and digital arenas. The event aims to capture the excitement and intensity of both sports worlds, marking a pivotal moment for this rapidly expanding global movement.
Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, noted the event's role in setting a new global benchmark in phygital sport. With clubs confirmed across all disciplines, the growth of this movement is evident. The focus remains on delivering fair, competitive, and innovative play, enhancing both physical and digital dimensions.
Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, discussed the transformative impact of technology on sports, highlighting the integration of advanced digital platforms and immersive gaming environments. The Games of the Future exemplify this evolution, engaging athletes and audiences in new ways.
The event will also include a draw ceremony confirming the opening group-stage matchups, with clubs competing for a spot in the finals and a prize pool of US$5 million.
In conjunction with the Games, Abu Dhabi will host the Phygital Sports Summit on 17 December. This forum will gather global experts, athletes, and policymakers to discuss the evolution of hybrid sports, emphasizing the convergence of sport and technology, human-AI synergy, and athlete wellbeing.
Hosted by Amy Jane Gillingham, Mohammed Al Hosani, and Sabine Sassine, the summit will feature contributions from senior representatives of Phygital International, GOTF partners, and global voices in the phygital movement. Attendees will include distinguished guests such as Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports, and international dignitaries, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status as a hub for next-generation sport and hybrid competition.
The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, organized by ASPIRE and supported by key stakeholders including the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and UAE Ministry of Sports, promises to deliver an innovative sporting experience that bridges the gap between physical and digital realms.