Latest news with #GlobalEncountersFestival2025
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Nahyan bin Mubarak opens Global Encounters Festival 2025
21 July 2025 16:27 DUBAI (WAM) Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, today inaugurated the Global Encounters Festival 2025, a unique gathering of more than 4,000 young artists and athletes from over 50 countries, uniting in the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and shared opening ceremony, held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including His Highness Prince Aly Mohammed Aga Khan and His Highness Prince Amyn Mohammed Aga Khan, alongside over 25,000 visitors from around the under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the Global Encounters Festival 2025 takes place from July 20-27 across multiple venues in Dubai, featuring an engaging programme of sports competitions, art showcases, concerts, exhibitions, and immersive cultural his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said, 'I am pleased to express our country's great pleasure in welcoming so many festival participants from around the world. I am especially pleased to warmly greet and welcome His Highness Prince Aly Mohammed Aga Khan and His Highness Prince Amyn Mohammed Aga Khan. Their respected world view, and their strong commitment to preserving our Islamic heritage and traditions, are well known. Their presence will certainly enrich this festival.'He added, 'You have assembled in Dubai under our country's welcoming Arab tent that has sheltered a peaceful and innovative population at this global crossroads. This city and this country are showing the world that people from different nations, different ethnicities, different religions, and different cultures can live and work together in peace and harmony, in an environment marked by understanding, respect, and shared values.'He emphasised the UAE's national ethos of coexistence and the role of sports and arts in building bridges across cultures, 'Under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we in the UAE cherish the bridges that sports and the arts build between peoples and nations.'Reflecting on his past attendance at the Jubilee Games 2016, he said, 'I am glad to see how much the festival has grown. The festival's focus on arts and sports reminds us that accomplishment comes from effort and persistence, and that these fields promote joy, friendship, and goodwill. They are important catalysts for peace, coexistence, and harmony in the world.'Sheikh Nahyan also praised the hosts, saying, 'I congratulate the hosts of the festival – the Prince Aga Khan Ismaili Council for the United Arab Emirates. They give us an opportunity to express our admiration for the strong commitment and success of the Ismaili community, under the leadership of His Highness the Aga Khan, to promote peace, tolerance, and understanding in the world.'He concluded his remarks with a message of encouragement and gratitude, 'I commend all of you for being here and for taking up the particular challenge that this Festival represents. I share in your hopes and expectations that this festival will be a valuable contribution to promoting dialogue and establishing lasting friendships. My best wishes for successful games, exhilarating competition, and an outstanding artistic and cultural experience.' A Lasting Legacy of CollaborationThe Festival reflects long-standing engagement between the Ismaili community, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Gulf region through collaboration with public and private institutions. 'The Global Encounters Festival is not only a celebration of artistic and athletic talent – it is a testament to the enduring values that unite us as a global community,' said His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan.'Throughout our history, the Ismaili community has sought to cultivate knowledge, foster mutual respect and encourage young people to lead lives of purpose and integrity. In today's interconnected yet fragile world, the role of youth as bridge-builders is more critical than ever. This Festival reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation not only to succeed, but to serve - to uplift the societies in which they live, and to be champions of peace, pluralism and a shared humanity,' added His Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said, 'Youth development, talent mobility, and cross-border collaboration are essential drivers of long-term economic growth. Hosting the Global Encounters Festival aligns with Dubai's wider economic agenda, reinforcing our role as a global platform for innovation, cultural exchange, and human capital development. "As we look to future-proof our economy, events like this provide an opportunity to engage tomorrow's leaders, strengthen knowledge ecosystems, and advance Dubai's position as a magnet for talent, enterprise, and ideas.'Celebrating diversity across more than 200 nationalities, the Festival aligns with the UAE's Year of Community 2025, promoting inclusion, sustainability and innovation as universal Julfar, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) said, 'We are proud to host the Global Encounters Festival 2025, a large-scale, purpose-driven event that reflects our enduring commitment to operational excellence and global collaboration. With over 25,000 visitors expected, DWTC is well-positioned to deliver a world-class experience that matches the ambition and energy of this remarkable youth-led gathering,''The Global Encounters Festival exemplifies the spirit of unity, service and excellence that the Ismaili community aspires to worldwide,' said Malik Talib, Chair of the Ismaili Leaders' International Forum (LIF).'It offers young people a powerful platform to express their talents, build lasting friendships across borders and deepen their commitment to improving the societies in which they live.'The Festival aims to empower the next generation of changemakers - nurturing artists, athletes and civic leaders who are not only pursuing excellence but also driving social impact, climate action, and intercultural understanding.'This is more than an event. It's a living example of what's possible when young people from around the world come together with purpose,''Dubai, with its visionary leadership and unmatched cultural energy, is the ideal home for this global celebration.' Concluded Talib. From electric rideshares to zero-waste venues and a global tree-planting campaign, sustainability remains a cornerstone of the Festival. Thousands of participants are supporting the Roots for Change initiative, pledging to plant 1 million trees globally in alignment with Net Zero 2030 goals.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Global Encounters Festival 2025: What it is, why it matters, and what's new this year
Young artists and athletes from around the world gather to celebrate culture and sports at Global Encounters Festival 2025 in Dubai/ Representative Image TL;DR The Global Encounters Festival is a cultural and sports event by the Ismaili Muslim community, held in Dubai from July 20-27, 2025. It brings together over 4,000 young artists and athletes from more than 50 countries to celebrate creativity and sportsmanship. The festival highlights community values like unity, leadership, and environmental responsibility, featuring art, sports, and cultural programs. The Global Encounters Festival is a major event where young people from the Ismaili Muslim community come together to share their talents in arts and sports. It's set in Dubai this year and runs from July 20 to 27, with an opening concert the night before. This festival is not just about competition or performances; it's about building friendships, learning from different cultures, and showing what young people can do when they work together. The event includes art exhibitions, music and theatre shows, plus sports tournaments across 18 different games. This festival is unique because it's a global gathering designed to bring young Ismailis from around the world, more than 50 countries, under one roof. The idea is to inspire creativity, promote teamwork, and encourage a sense of community. A Look Back: Why the Festival Matters The Global Encounters Festival started as a way to connect Ismaili communities worldwide through culture and sports. It's a space for youth to step into leadership roles and express themselves in safe, supportive settings. This 2025 edition is especially important as it's the first led by Prince Rahim Aga Khan, following the late Aga Khan IV's leadership. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Victoria Principal Is Almost 75, See Her Now Reportingly Undo The festival also reflects a bigger message, about inclusion, sustainability, and respect for the environment. It supports the idea that community events can be fun while also caring for the planet. From tree planting to zero-waste goals, the organizers are serious about keeping things green. Which Edition Is This? The 2025 Global Encounters Festival is a first in many ways, it's the first time Jubilee Arts and Jubilee Games come together as one big global event. Before this, Global Encounters meant youth camps held between 2013 and 2019 in Kenya and India. Those camps focused on leadership, service, and cultural exchange, but they weren't public festivals like this one. In past years, Jubilee Arts and Jubilee Games happened separately, each spotlighting either the arts or sports. This year, everything joins under one roof. Over 4,000 young artists and athletes from 50+ countries will take part, making it the biggest and most inclusive festival yet. So if you're wondering how special this event is, it's the first official combined Global Encounters Festival, bringing together talent, culture, and community like never before. What Happens at the Festival? Jubilee Arts: This part covers everything creative, from paintings and films to music and theatre. Young artists get to showcase their work and meet others from different countries. It's about sharing stories and ideas through art. Jubilee Games: Sports fans get 18 sports to follow or compete in, football, cricket, basketball, swimming, and more. The games focus on fair play and bringing people together through friendly competition. Community and Culture: Visitors can explore the Ismaili Centre Dubai, which opens during the festival. It offers guided tours to help people understand the community's history and values. The festival is welcoming to everyone, no matter their background. Festival Details You Should Know When: July 20-27, 2025 (Opening concert on July 19) Main Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Other Venues: Dubai Sports City, ICC Academy, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Emirates Golf Club, and Ismaili Centre Dubai Special Events: Sufiana Concert featuring Salim-Sulaiman on July 20; a sustainable fashion show called Climate on the Catwalk Tickets: Kids under 10 get in free; tickets for others available online; some events need festival passes COVID-19 Precautions: Measures will be in place if necessary What's New in 2025? This year's festival features more sports, bigger cultural workshops, a focus on sustainability with eco-friendly fashion, and online live streams. Festival kicked off July 19 with ongoing events all week. Sufiana Concert: July 20, 20:00 at DWTC, tickets AED 160–1390; Salim-Sulaiman perform. Climate on the Catwalk: Sustainable fashion show promoting climate awareness. Global Encounters Challenges on care, creativity, and sustainability. Virtual access and live-streaming available. Expanded sports and new competition categories. Increased cultural exchange workshops and events. For further info, visit the Official Festival Programme Brochure and The Ismaili Community Global Website . FAQs Q: Who can participate in the Global Encounters Festival? A: Young people from the Ismaili community around the world, in arts and sports, are the main participants. But some events are open to the public as well. Q: How can I attend or watch the festival? A: Some events require tickets or passes, which you can get online. Others are free or open to the public. Many performances and competitions will also be live-streamed. Q: How does the festival support environmental responsibility? A: The organizers focus on green practices like zero waste, tree planting, and encouraging sustainable travel. There's also a fashion show to raise awareness about climate change.
What's On
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Dubai Metro to extend hours this weekend - What's On
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that Dubai Metro will extend its hours this weekend on Sunday, July 20. It will operate until 1am on Monday, July 21, instead of the usual Sunday schedule. The move comes as part of efforts to support the large number of attendees expected at the Global Encounters Festival. What is the Global Encounters Festival? The Global Encounters Festival 2025 is a major cultural and athletic event taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organised by Global Encounters, the festival brings together members of the Ismaili Muslim community from around the world to celebrate unity, creativity, and excellence in both the arts and sports. Why the extension matters With thousands of people expected to attend the festival this weekend, the temporary timetable change will help ease congestion and make travel more convenient for those heading to or from the event. Planning to attend? If you're heading to the festival, now you can stay later and enjoy more of the programme without worrying about the last train. Whether you're into culture, community, or just love a good city buzz, this is one event worth showing up for. In other Dubai Metro news In an exciting move for public transportation in Dubai, construction for the Dubai Metro Blue Line expansion is underway and scheduled for completion in 2029. *This Dubai Metro Blue Line station will be the tallest in the world* This massive expansion of the existing network was first discussed back in 2006, along with other potential lines and the expansion of the existing Red and Green lines. In case you missed it, here is the Dubai Metro Blue Line's full list of stations and what to expect. Image: Archive > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
