Global Encounters Festival 2025 Opens In Dubai With Over 4,000 Young Artists And Athletes
The Global Encounters Festival 2025 was inaugurated by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. This event brings together over 4,000 young artists and athletes from more than 50 countries. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the festival celebrates collaboration, innovation, and shared humanity with over 25,000 attendees.
Sheikh Nahyan expressed his delight in welcoming participants from around the globe. He acknowledged H.H. Prince Aly Mohammed Aga Khan and H.H. Prince Amyn Mohammed Aga Khan for their dedication to preserving Islamic heritage. Their presence is expected to enrich the festival significantly.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the festival runs from 20th to 27th July across various Dubai venues. The programme includes sports competitions, art showcases, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural experiences. It aims to foster unity among diverse cultures.
Sheikh Nahyan highlighted the UAE’s ethos of coexistence and how sports and arts build bridges across cultures. "Under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan... we cherish the bridges that sports and the arts build between peoples and nations," he stated.
The festival reflects a long-standing partnership between the Ismaili community, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), and Gulf region institutions. His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan remarked that it celebrates artistic and athletic talent while uniting global communities through shared values.
Helal Saeed Almarri of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority noted that youth development is crucial for economic growth. Hosting this festival aligns with Dubai’s agenda as a platform for innovation and cultural exchange. It helps engage future leaders and strengthen knowledge ecosystems.
Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability is a key focus of the festival, featuring initiatives like electric rideshares and zero-waste venues. Participants support Roots for Change by pledging to plant one million trees globally, aligning with Net Zero 2030 goals.
Mahir Julfar from DWTC expressed pride in hosting this large-scale event that promotes operational excellence and global collaboration. With over 25,000 visitors expected, DWTC aims to deliver a world-class experience matching the ambition of this youth-led gathering.
A Platform for Young Changemakers
The festival empowers young changemakers by nurturing artists, athletes, and civic leaders who drive social impact and intercultural understanding. Malik Talib of LIF stated it offers a platform for young people to express talents and deepen their societal commitments.
Reflecting on past events like Jubilee Games 2016, Sheikh Nahyan noted how much the festival has grown. He emphasised that arts and sports promote joy, friendship, goodwill, peace, coexistence, and harmony worldwide.
Sheikh Nahyan praised the hosts: "I congratulate the hosts... They give us an opportunity to express our admiration for... promoting peace... in the world." He concluded with encouragement: "I commend all of you... My best wishes for successful games..."
With inputs from WAM
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