Abu Dhabi Named Host City for Games of the Future 2025
Abu Dhabi has been officially confirmed as the host city for the Games of the Future 2025, a pioneering international phygital sports competition set to take place from December 18 to 23. The announcement was made by Phygital International, the global governing body of the event, which introduces a revolutionary format blending physical athleticism with digital gaming.
The upcoming event will feature hybrid sports disciplines such as Phygital Football and Phygital Shooter, where athletes compete in both virtual and real-world environments. Final results will be determined by a combination of performances across both realms, offering a unique and integrated approach to competitive sport.
The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) has been selected as the main venue, offering a world-class stage for this multi-sport spectacle. Thousands of athletes, clubs, and spectators from across the globe are expected to participate and attend.
To ensure seamless organization, 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 stakeholder coordination, drive the event’s innovation agenda, and manage government and sponsor funding frameworks.
Complementing ASPIRE’s role, Ethara, a leading regional live event management company, has been selected as the Event Delivery Partner, overseeing all aspects of event execution—from logistics and venue operations to fan experiences and commercial activations.
“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.”
“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,” said Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE.
Beyond the competition, the event will include VR fan engagement zones, cultural activations, and technology showcases, creating an immersive experience for attendees. The inaugural edition of the Games welcomed over 2,000 athletes from more than 100 countries, attracted a massive global broadcast audience, and drew over 300,000 fans on-site.
The 2025 edition in Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone in the phygital movement, extending its footprint into the Middle East, a region renowned for its innovation and technological ambition.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
