Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Abu Dhabi: His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan participated in the Games of the Future 2025 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the city’s emergence as a key player in global sports, gaming, and advanced technology.
Organized by ASPIRE with ADNOC's support, this international event gathered over 850 athletes from more than 60 nations. Competitors showcased their skills in 11 varied categories, including shooting, martial arts, football, basketball, drone racing, robotics, and other tech-oriented disciplines. The total prize pool for the event reached around US$5 million.
During his visit, Sheikh Zayed witnessed several phygital contests—an innovative blend of physical activities and digital gameplay. These hybrid sports test athletes' abilities to combine physical prowess with digital competencies, demonstrating how technology is transforming both traditional sports and electronic gaming.
Sheikh Zayed expressed that hosting the Games of the Future underscores Abu Dhabi’s dedication to evolving alongside rapid advancements in the sports and creative sectors. He highlighted the emirate's ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and advanced technologies that unite human potential with digital progression, thereby cultivating a future-ready environment for youth and emerging talent.
The event also provided a platform for prominent local and international organizations to present groundbreaking advancements in hybrid sports, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, robotics, and drone technology. Notable participants included the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the UAE Cybersecurity Council, along with various academic institutions.
Among them was Abu Dhabi University, which is launching the region's first Bachelor of Arts degree in Video Game Design. This program aims to nurture the growth of the gaming sector and bolster Abu Dhabi’s digital creative economy, aligning educational offerings with future industry demands.
By hosting events like the Games of the Future, Abu Dhabi reaffirms its position as a leader in innovation-driven sports and entertainment, seamlessly connecting physical competition with digital advancement.
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