The 2025 Games of the Future are officially coming to Abu Dhabi
Just when you thought Abu Dhabi couldn't outdo itself when it comes to next-gen entertainment, along comes this: the UAE capital has officially been named host of the Games of the Future 2025.
Taking place from December 18 to 23 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this global event promises to be a blockbuster celebration of all things phygital – that's physical sport meets digital gaming and yes, it's as futuristic as it sounds.
So, what exactly are we in for? Think esports meets elite athletics. In each competition, players will first compete in a digital version of their sport – whether that's football, shooter games, or other hybrid disciplines – before jumping into the physical version IRL.
The combined scores from both stages determine the winner, so you'll need fast thumbs and quick feet to make the podium.
The Games aren't just about fierce competition – they're also a tech-lover's dream. Expect AI-powered activations, VR immersion zones, live digital showcases and more fan experiences than you can shake a motion sensor at.
There will be cultural experiences too, adding a bit of local flair to the global chaos of combat boots and console clicks.
Over 2,000 athletes from more than 100 countries took part in the first Games and this second edition is shaping up to be even bigger. ASPIRE, the UAE's innovation arm for big-league tech events, is leading the charge on the ground, while Ethara – the events powerhouse behind everything from UFC nights to Formula 1 concerts – will make sure everything runs smoother than a PS5 loading screen.
And don't worry – you won't need to be a pro gamer or marathon runner to join the fun. The event is open to fans and spectators, with ADNEC's cavernous halls transformed into a futuristic arena where sport, science fiction and serious skill all collide.
Whether you're into esports, elite-level athletics, or just want to be part of something wildly new and only-in-Abu-Dhabi, the Games of the Future 2025 are about to rewrite the playbook for what sport can be. December can't come fast enough.
Wed Dec 18–Mon Dec 23. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). gameofthefuture.com.
More going on in Abu Dhabi
You can now get a robotaxi from Zayed International Airport
Trips to the airport just got an upgrade
Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once
Your dinner inspo is sorted
20 incredibly fun ways to explore Abu Dhabi after dark
The city is at its most fascinating once the sun goes down
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
2 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Abu Dhabi Prepares for Groundbreaking Games of the Future
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi will serve as the host for the Games of the Future 2025, a pioneering global event blending physical and digital sports. Scheduled for December 18 to 23, the competition aims to redefine the boundaries of athletic contests by merging traditional sporting disciplines with cutting-edge technology. This event marks a significant step in the evolution of international sports, as organisers position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the phygital sports movement. The Games of the Future will bring together elite athletes and esports competitors from across the world, competing in hybrid formats designed to test skill, strategy, and adaptability. The term 'phygital' refers to the integration of physical and digital elements within the same competitive environment. This concept challenges conventional sports formats, creating new experiences for participants and audiences alike. ADVERTISEMENT Organisers highlight that the Games of the Future are intended to captivate younger, tech-savvy audiences, whose preferences are shifting towards immersive and interactive entertainment. The event will showcase competitions that combine real-world physical prowess with virtual reality, augmented reality, and advanced sensor technologies. These innovations allow athletes to perform in augmented settings where physical actions influence digital gameplay in real time. Abu Dhabi's selection as host city follows extensive consideration of its infrastructure, innovation-driven vision, and commitment to becoming a global hub for futuristic sports and entertainment. The emirate has invested heavily in smart city technologies, sporting facilities, and digital innovation hubs, creating a conducive environment for this landmark event. Local authorities are confident that the Games will bolster Abu Dhabi's reputation as a leader in hosting high-profile international sporting and cultural events. The event will be staged across multiple venues, including state-of-the-art arenas equipped with immersive technologies, interactive fan zones, and digital broadcasting platforms. These setups are designed to offer spectators an unparalleled experience, allowing them to engage with the games through interactive apps, live data feeds, and virtual participation elements. Key components of the Games will include virtual cycling races, drone racing, mixed-reality martial arts, and AI-assisted team sports. Each competition will be carefully crafted to balance physical skill with digital interaction, emphasising creativity, teamwork, and technological proficiency. Organisers have underscored the importance of fairness and integrity in the competition, with robust systems in place to ensure transparency and prevent cheating in both physical and digital realms. Prominent figures in the world of sports technology have expressed optimism about the Games' potential to accelerate the integration of digital tools in mainstream athletics. Experts argue that these innovations could provide new avenues for athlete training, injury prevention, and fan engagement. Furthermore, the Games of the Future could act as a testing ground for technologies that might soon become standard in traditional sports worldwide. ADVERTISEMENT The event also reflects broader trends in the sports industry, where the lines between physical sports, esports, and entertainment are increasingly blurred. Sporting bodies and commercial partners are exploring hybrid formats as a way to reach diverse demographics and unlock new revenue streams. By hosting the Games, Abu Dhabi aims to position itself as a pioneer in this transformative phase. Economic analysts project that the Games will generate significant benefits for the emirate, including increased tourism, job creation, and investment in related sectors such as technology, hospitality, and media production. The event's timing aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader economic diversification goals, supporting the emirate's transition from a primarily oil-dependent economy to a knowledge-based, innovation-driven hub. As the competition approaches, several international teams and technology companies are confirming participation, signalling robust global interest. Collaborative efforts between sporting federations, tech firms, and event organisers have been instrumental in developing the formats and rules, ensuring they are competitive, engaging, and scalable for future iterations. The Games of the Future 2025 are expected to attract a wide media presence, with live broadcasts planned across multiple platforms to reach audiences worldwide. This extensive coverage will highlight both the athletic feats and the technological marvels on display, offering insights into how sports could evolve in the coming decades. Organisers have committed to sustainability principles, incorporating eco-friendly practices throughout the event's planning and execution. This includes energy-efficient venues, waste reduction initiatives, and promotion of digital engagement to minimise the carbon footprint typically associated with large-scale sports events. The Games represent a convergence of sport, technology, and culture, reflecting the aspirations of a generation that embraces digital innovation while celebrating physical excellence. Abu Dhabi's role as host underscores the emirate's ambition to shape the future of global sports, setting a benchmark for how cities can adapt to and lead in the rapidly changing landscape of athletic competition.
Gulf Business
3 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Abu Dhabi to host Games of the Future 2025; read details
Image: Games of the Future Abu Dhabi has been officially confirmed as the host city for the The announcement was made by Phygital International, the global governing body of the event, which merges physical athleticism with digital gaming to create a new class of competitive sport. The games will feature hybrid disciplines such as Phygital Football and Phygital Shooter, where athletes compete in both virtual and real-world formats, with final results determined by combined performances. Image: Supplied Games of the Future: Venue and games coordinator The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) has been selected as the official venue, providing a world-class stage for the multi-sport event. The competition is expected to attract thousands of athletes, clubs, and spectators from across the globe. ASPIRE, the programme development arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has been appointed as the UAE Delivery Authority for the games. ASPIRE will lead coordination among stakeholders, oversee the event's innovation agenda, and align government and sponsor funding frameworks. Ethara, a leading regional live event management company, has been named the Event Delivery Partner. Ethara will be responsible for end-to-end event execution including venue operations, logistics, fan experience, and commercial activation. 'We're thrilled that Abu Dhabi will welcome thousands of phygital athletes, clubs, and fans for the Games of the Future 2025,' said Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International. 'With its bold vision for sport and technology, the UAE is the ideal stage for this groundbreaking event.' Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, added: 'As the UAE Delivery Authority, ASPIRE is proud to help shape the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 – a global platform where sport, technology, and imagination converge.' Beyond competition, the event will also include VR fan engagement zones, cultural activations, and technology showcases. The inaugural edition of the Games attracted over 2,000 athletes from more than 100 countries, reaching a global broadcast audience and drawing more than 300,000 fans. The 2025 edition in Abu Dhabi marks a significant step for the phygital movement, expanding its global footprint into the Middle East, where innovation and technological experimentation are rapidly evolving. Read:
Time Out Abu Dhabi
2 days ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
The 2025 Games of the Future are officially coming to Abu Dhabi
Just when you thought Abu Dhabi couldn't outdo itself when it comes to next-gen entertainment, along comes this: the UAE capital has officially been named host of the Games of the Future 2025. Taking place from December 18 to 23 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this global event promises to be a blockbuster celebration of all things phygital – that's physical sport meets digital gaming and yes, it's as futuristic as it sounds. So, what exactly are we in for? Think esports meets elite athletics. In each competition, players will first compete in a digital version of their sport – whether that's football, shooter games, or other hybrid disciplines – before jumping into the physical version IRL. The combined scores from both stages determine the winner, so you'll need fast thumbs and quick feet to make the podium. The Games aren't just about fierce competition – they're also a tech-lover's dream. Expect AI-powered activations, VR immersion zones, live digital showcases and more fan experiences than you can shake a motion sensor at. There will be cultural experiences too, adding a bit of local flair to the global chaos of combat boots and console clicks. Over 2,000 athletes from more than 100 countries took part in the first Games and this second edition is shaping up to be even bigger. ASPIRE, the UAE's innovation arm for big-league tech events, is leading the charge on the ground, while Ethara – the events powerhouse behind everything from UFC nights to Formula 1 concerts – will make sure everything runs smoother than a PS5 loading screen. And don't worry – you won't need to be a pro gamer or marathon runner to join the fun. The event is open to fans and spectators, with ADNEC's cavernous halls transformed into a futuristic arena where sport, science fiction and serious skill all collide. Whether you're into esports, elite-level athletics, or just want to be part of something wildly new and only-in-Abu-Dhabi, the Games of the Future 2025 are about to rewrite the playbook for what sport can be. December can't come fast enough. Wed Dec 18–Mon Dec 23. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). More going on in Abu Dhabi You can now get a robotaxi from Zayed International Airport Trips to the airport just got an upgrade Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 20 incredibly fun ways to explore Abu Dhabi after dark The city is at its most fascinating once the sun goes down
