Abu Dhabi to Host 2025 Junior Grand Prix Figure Skating

Abu Dhabi will host the 2025 Junior Grand Prix Figure Skating Championship for the first time in the Middle East and Africa. The event will bring together 90 young skaters representing 35 countries. This historic hosting highlights the UAE’s growing role in international sports.

Organisers and Dates

The championship is organised under the International Skating Union (ISU) and sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. It will take place from October 8 to 11 at the Abu Dhabi Ice Rink. The UAE will host the penultimate round of the five global rounds in the series.

Event Categories

The competition will feature three main categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, and pairs. Top junior talents from around the world will compete, providing a platform for young skaters to showcase their skills and gain international exposure.

Boosting Emirati Talent

Hamel Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Vice President of the UAE Winter Sports Federation, said the event reflects the International Skating Union’s confidence in the UAE’s position on the global sports stage. He emphasized that Emirati athletes will benefit from competing alongside and observing the world’s best junior skaters.

UAE as a Winter Sports Destination

Al Qubaisi noted that hosting the championship underlines the UAE’s status as a global destination for winter sports. The country aims to diversify its sports portfolio, promoting activities like figure skating, which are not traditionally common in the region.

Promoting Sports Tourism and Cultural Exchange

The championship will also support sports tourism, attracting international athletes, coaches, and fans to Abu Dhabi. Al Qubaisi highlighted that such events foster cultural exchange and inspire young people to participate in new sports, strengthening community engagement and global ties.

This championship is expected to leave a lasting impact on UAE sports, particularly for youth athletes. By hosting a prestigious international competition, Abu Dhabi reinforces its commitment to developing sporting infrastructure, encouraging talent, and showcasing the nation on the global sports map.

The 2025 Junior Grand Prix Figure Skating Championship in Abu Dhabi is a landmark event for the Middle East and Africa. It will not only highlight the skills of young athletes worldwide but also promote the UAE’s role as a center for sports excellence and cultural exchange.