CISM Symposium 2025 Opens in Abu Dhabi with Global Experts

The CISM International Scientific Symposium 2025 opened in Abu Dhabi, marking its first-ever edition in the Middle East. The three-day global event, inaugurated by Lieutenant General (Staff) Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, carries the theme “Physical Readiness and Resilience in the Armed Forces: Challenges and Foreseeing the Future.”

Held 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 symposium has drawn over 130 participants from 35 countries, including 43 speakers comprising military leaders, academics, and researchers.

Organised by the UAE Ministry of Defence, the event underscores the country’s growing influence as a regional hub for military science, innovation, and international cooperation. It provides a vital platform for sharing knowledge on how armed forces can enhance physical readiness, mental resilience, and operational adaptability in a rapidly changing world.

The opening ceremony saw the presence of senior UAE and international officials, including Major General Khalifa Rashid Al Hamli, Director of the Office of the Minister of Defence, and Colonel Nilton Gomes Filho, President of the International Military Sports Council (CISM).

Throughout the first day, delegates engaged in sessions addressing the science behind performance optimisation in military settings. Prof. Thierry Zintz from Université Catholique de Louvain discussed how sport diplomacy fosters unity among nations, while General Gianni Gola, Honorary Life President of CISM, reflected on the legacy of the World Military Games as a model of cooperation and discipline.

Scientific presentations examined key research areas such as energy expenditure, sustainable nutrition, and tactical performance. Notable contributions came from Dr. Patrick Mullie of the Royal Military Academy (Belgium), Prof. Ayesha Al Dhaheri of the United Arab Emirates University, and experts from Austria, Brazil, and the Czech Republic, highlighting a strong international exchange of expertise.

As the symposium continues, upcoming sessions will delve into heat adaptation, wearable technologies, and resilience in extreme environments, featuring speakers from the University of Brighton and the National University of Singapore. These discussions aim to prepare armed forces for the physical and environmental challenges of modern operations.

The CISM Symposium 2025 reaffirms the UAE’s growing leadership in fostering scientific dialogue and innovation within the global defence community. By hosting this landmark event, the UAE strengthens its position as a bridge between nations — promoting research, cooperation, and the pursuit of peace through knowledge and sport.