Games Of The Future 2025 To Showcase Hybrid Sports In Abu Dhabi This December

The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will occur from 18-23 December at ADNEC Centre. The opening ceremony on 17 December will introduce a diverse and competitive athlete line-up in hybrid sports. This event combines physical prowess with digital skills under the theme: Next Gen Human. Play the Future.

Phygital sport merges traditional athletic contests with digital elements, forming a unified format where participants excel in both realms. Initially, clubs compete virtually before facing off physically, with combined scores deciding the victor. This hybrid model mirrors the growing intersection of technology and real-world performance, offering an immersive sports experience.

Abu Dhabi will also host the Phygital Sports Summit on 17 December alongside the games. This forum will gather global experts, athletes, and policymakers to discuss hybrid sports' evolution. Topics include sport-technology convergence, human-AI synergy, youth engagement's future, athlete wellbeing in hybrid settings, and phygital competition's legacy.

More than 850 participants from 60 countries will compete across 11 disciplines. These competitors include champion clubs, emerging talents, and newcomers. The event promises excitement by showcasing athletes who excel in both physical and digital arenas. The games highlight a movement gaining global attention as technology reshapes sports.

Faisal al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President and Secretary-General of ATRC, stated that phygital sport is more than a new format; it embodies a new generation's mindset. "Abu Dhabi is proud to host this year’s games," he said. "Our goal is to empower youth, accelerate innovation, and build communities around technologies shaping tomorrow."

The draw ceremony has confirmed opening group-stage matchups for most disciplines. As the event unfolds, competitive pathways will emerge with clubs vying for finals spots and a US$5 million prize pool. This setup ensures fans can follow evolving storylines throughout the competition.

Transforming Sport Through Technology

Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, remarked that "The Games of the Future continues to set a new global benchmark in phygital sport." With clubs confirmed across all disciplines, this movement's rapid growth is evident. Phygital International focuses on delivering fair play that enhances both physical and digital dimensions.

Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, noted how technology transforms every life aspect including sport. By integrating advanced digital platforms and real-time analytics into gaming environments, they create formats challenging athletes anew while engaging audiences like never before.

Key Stakeholders and Event Organisation

The summit will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions hosted by Amy Jane Gillingham, Mohammed Al Hosani, and Sabine Sassine. Senior representatives from Phygital International and GOTF partners will contribute alongside global voices shaping this movement.

The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 is organised by ASPIRE with Ethara as Event Delivery Partner and Phygital International as Global Rights Holder. Key stakeholders include Abu Dhabi Sports Council as Host City Entity and UAE Ministry of Sports as Official Partner.

Distinguished guests expected at the summit include Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi (UAE Minister of Sports), Ilham Aliyev (President of Azerbaijan), Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi (Bahrain's Minister of Youth Affairs), Sheikha Dina bint Rashed Al Khalifa (Bahrain Advisor for Planning), and Dr Osman Aşkın Bak (Türkiye's Minister of Youth & Sports).

With inputs from WAM