emirates7 - Abu Dhabi has been selected by Phygital International to host the next edition of the Games of the Future in December 2025, becoming the first city in the Middle East to welcome this global event. The decision underscores the emirate’s growing reputation as a hub of innovation in both sports and technology.
As stated on Phygital International’s official website, Abu Dhabi was chosen for its ambitious vision, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and top-tier sports facilities, making it a prime destination for major international events.
Set to take place over six days at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the event will showcase elite athletes from around the world in competitions that merge traditional physical sports with technology-enhanced video games. Attendees can look forward to a unique blend of esports, real-world challenges, and immersive fan experiences.
The event will be officially organised by Aspire, which has a proven record in delivering large-scale events, in partnership with Ethara, a prominent Abu Dhabi-based company known for producing high-calibre international events.
Saeed Al Taher, Secretary-General of the UAE Esports Federation, highlighted that Abu Dhabi’s hosting of this pioneering event reflects its leadership in tech-driven innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence. He emphasized the UAE’s forward-thinking role in the evolution of esports and announced new initiatives to promote the phygital concept, including plans to introduce it into schools as part of the nation’s broader digital education strategy.
Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, described Abu Dhabi’s selection as a major step in the global expansion of Games of the Future, noting the emirate’s proven ability to stage complex, high-impact events while reinforcing its position as a leader in the intersection of sports and technology.
Stephane Timpano, CEO of Aspire, the innovation division of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council, stressed the significance of supporting Games of the Future 2025 as a global platform where sport, innovation, and creativity meet. He emphasized the growing importance of this new form of competition that fuses athleticism with digital technologies.
Hosting the event highlights the UAE’s commitment to advancing the future of sport and technology and enhancing its global innovation credentials.
The inaugural Games of the Future, held in Türkiye in 2024, featured over 2,000 athletes from 100 nations and drew more than 300,000 spectators worldwide.
As a phygital sporting event, Games of the Future combines physical competition with virtual gameplay. It includes hybrid formats like phygital football and digital shooting, alongside interactive activities that merge real and virtual experiences.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract thousands of participants and fans, offering a comprehensive and futuristic experience that blends athletic performance with technological advancement.
As stated on Phygital International’s official website, Abu Dhabi was chosen for its ambitious vision, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and top-tier sports facilities, making it a prime destination for major international events.
Set to take place over six days at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the event will showcase elite athletes from around the world in competitions that merge traditional physical sports with technology-enhanced video games. Attendees can look forward to a unique blend of esports, real-world challenges, and immersive fan experiences.
The event will be officially organised by Aspire, which has a proven record in delivering large-scale events, in partnership with Ethara, a prominent Abu Dhabi-based company known for producing high-calibre international events.
Saeed Al Taher, Secretary-General of the UAE Esports Federation, highlighted that Abu Dhabi’s hosting of this pioneering event reflects its leadership in tech-driven innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence. He emphasized the UAE’s forward-thinking role in the evolution of esports and announced new initiatives to promote the phygital concept, including plans to introduce it into schools as part of the nation’s broader digital education strategy.
Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, described Abu Dhabi’s selection as a major step in the global expansion of Games of the Future, noting the emirate’s proven ability to stage complex, high-impact events while reinforcing its position as a leader in the intersection of sports and technology.
Stephane Timpano, CEO of Aspire, the innovation division of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council, stressed the significance of supporting Games of the Future 2025 as a global platform where sport, innovation, and creativity meet. He emphasized the growing importance of this new form of competition that fuses athleticism with digital technologies.
Hosting the event highlights the UAE’s commitment to advancing the future of sport and technology and enhancing its global innovation credentials.
The inaugural Games of the Future, held in Türkiye in 2024, featured over 2,000 athletes from 100 nations and drew more than 300,000 spectators worldwide.
As a phygital sporting event, Games of the Future combines physical competition with virtual gameplay. It includes hybrid formats like phygital football and digital shooting, alongside interactive activities that merge real and virtual experiences.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract thousands of participants and fans, offering a comprehensive and futuristic experience that blends athletic performance with technological advancement.