#Abu Dhabi #UAE #Phygital Sports #Games of the Future

Abu Dhabi to Host the Games of the Future 2025

Abu Dhabi has recently been confirmed as the official host city for the Games of the Future 2025 (GOTF), as announced by Phygital International, the global governing body for this innovative event. Set to take place from December 18 to 23, 2025, this competition aims to redefine the landscape of sports by merging physical athleticism with digital immersive experiences.

The Games of the Future will transform Abu Dhabi into the center of phygital sports, presenting a multi-sport event that includes groundbreaking disciplines such as Phygital Football and Phygital Shooter, alongside other tech sports and esports. Participants will first engage in a digital version of their respective sports and then compete in a real-life athletic manifestation of the same event. Performance in both the digital and physical phases will be combined to determine the overall winner, creating a seamless competition experience that bridges both worlds.

ASPIRE, the driving force behind major challenges and global competitions under the Abu Dhabi Advanced Technology Research Council, has been designated as the Delivery Authority for the UAE regarding this event. ASPIRE's role encompasses leading the implementation of the event's innovation agenda, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring financing frameworks with government partners and sponsors.

Ethara, a premier live-event management firm in the region, is set to be the event's delivery partner, overseeing end-to-end execution including venue operations, logistics, and fan experiences. Ethara will also spearhead promotional efforts, playing a vital commercial role by attracting sponsors and strategic partnerships to support the event's success.

The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) has been confirmed as the official venue, providing a world-class stage for various sports contests and fan engagement activities. The CEO of Phygital International, Nis Hatt, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming thousands of phygital athletes, clubs, and fans to Abu Dhabi. He believes that the UAE’s bold vision for sports and technology makes it the ideal backdrop for this pioneering gathering. Since the inception of GOTF, phygital sports have evolved into a global movement, and the upcoming edition promises to offer yet another thrilling experience.

Stéphane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, highlighted the organization's pride in shaping the Games of the Future 2025, stating it will serve as a global platform for the convergence of sports, technology, and imagination. He anticipates that innovations ranging from AI-enabled mobility to immersive digital experiences will be demonstrated, making Abu Dhabi a meeting point for impactful innovation.

Besides elite competitions, the event will feature virtual reality zones to engage fans, alongside cultural activities and technology showcases. The inaugural edition saw participation from over 2,000 athletes across more than 100 countries, broadcasted globally, attracting over 300,000 viewers and fans.

The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 marks a significant milestone for the phygital movement, introducing these captivating games to a new audience in the Middle East, where ambition and experimental applications of technology flourish. With Abu Dhabi's unique blend of innovation and cultural dynamism, the stage is set for an exceptional global experience.