Sheikh Zayed Participates in Games of the Future 2025 in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan graced the Games of the Future 2025 at ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, showcasing the emirate's evolving status as a global hub for advanced sports and technology.

This international event, organised by ASPIRE with ADNOC's backing, gathered over 850 athletes from 60 countries, competing in 11 varied categories including shooting, martial arts, football, basketball, drone racing, and robotics. The total prize pool reached around US$5 million.

During his visit, Sheikh Zayed witnessed several phygital competitions—a rapidly developing format that integrates real-world physical prowess with virtual gameplay. These hybrid sports challenge athletes to master both traditional skills and digital acumen, illustrating the impact of technology on legacy sports and electronic gaming.

Sheikh Zayed remarked that hosting the Games of the Future underscores Abu Dhabi’s dedication to adapting to rapid transformations in sports and creative fields. He emphasized the emirate's ongoing support for innovation and advanced technologies that harmonize human potential with digital advancements, fostering a future-ready environment for young talent.

This event also provided a platform for prominent local and international organizations to exhibit groundbreaking advancements in hybrid sports, AI, unmanned systems, robotics, and drone technologies. Notable participants included the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the UAE Cybersecurity Council, along with various academic institutions.

One such institution, Abu Dhabi University, is pioneering the region’s first Bachelor of Arts in Video Game Design, aiming to bolster the gaming sector and enhance Abu Dhabi's digital creative economy, catering to future industry requirements.

By hosting events like the Games of the Future, Abu Dhabi cements its position at the vanguard of sport innovation and entertainment, merging physical competition with digital advancement.