UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, held from 18 to 23 December at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), in the presence of His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
His Highness welcomed participants to the event and wished them success, affirming that the UAE’s hosting of the Games reflects its growing position as a global hub for innovation in future sports. He highlighted that the event brings together athletic performance and advanced technology, aligning with the aspirations of younger generations. His Highness also noted that the Games provide an international platform for youth to engage in dialogue, foster 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; 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; Her Excellency Tatyana Golikova, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; as well as a number of Sheikhs, ministers, senior officials, heads of delegations, and UAE guests.
More than 850 athletes from over 60 countries are competing in the Games, which blend live sporting action with digital strategy, precision, and innovation. The event features the most diverse and competitive line-up to date in the field of hybrid sports, where physical performance integrates with advanced gaming technologies.
The opening ceremony included the UAE national anthem, immersive visual presentations, storytelling segments highlighting athletes, and showcases of cutting-edge technologies.
In his address, His Excellency Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai emphasised the UAE’s commitment to innovation, youth empowerment, and the development of future sports. He noted that hosting the Games further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global centre for hybrid sports that merge the physical and digital worlds.
“This event is about more than competition,” he said. “The Games of the Future reflects how today’s generation lives, learns, and competes—moving seamlessly between physical and digital environments. By hosting this event, Abu Dhabi is providing a platform that nurtures talent, builds future-ready skills, and connects sport with innovation in a meaningful way.”