UAE Hosts CISM International Scientific Symposium in Abu Dhabi

The CISM International Scientific Symposium will begin on Monday, 20 October 2025, in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence. The event will gather senior military officials, experts, academics, and researchers from around the world.

Held every two years in a member country of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), this is the first time the symposium takes place in the UAE and the Middle East. The theme of the 2025 event is “Physical Readiness and Resilience in the Armed Forces: Challenges and Foreseeing the Future.” The symposium is a key platform to share knowledge, research, and best practices in military training, sports, and readiness.

The symposium will be held from 20–22 October 2025 at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, hosting over 130 participants from 35 member states. More than 43 speakers will present research papers on topics such as physical fitness, resilience, performance optimization, and emerging challenges in modern armed forces.

The event is CISM’s second-largest gathering after the Military World Games. It will be attended by the CISM President, Vice Presidents, Board members, Secretary General, heads of national delegations, and accredited military attachés.

Major General Obaid Ali Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee, said hosting the symposium reflects UAE leadership’s vision to make the country a global destination for international events. He added that the event combines scientific research with military development and highlights the role of sports in promoting peace and international dialogue.

Colonel Nilton Gomes Filho, CISM President, praised the UAE for its hospitality and strong organizational capabilities. Brigadier General S. Ayoob Al Falasi, UAE Chief of Delegation to CISM, said the UAE has been actively supporting military sports and research since joining CISM in 1974, contributing papers and studies that enrich global knowledge.

The symposium’s program includes keynote lectures, specialized sessions, and workshops covering sports medicine, combat sports, advanced technology, and climate change. The event aims to improve armed forces’ readiness, foster international cooperation, and create lasting partnerships in research and military sports.

By hosting the symposium, the UAE strengthens its position as a trusted global hub for defence, military sports, and scientific collaboration, showcasing the nation’s commitment to innovation, knowledge sharing, and international cooperation.