Abu Dhabi has been officially named the host city for the Games of the Future 2025, an international competition that blends traditional athleticism with digital gaming. The event is scheduled to take place from December 18 to 23 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).

The announcement was made by Phygital International, which is overseeing this emerging sport that combines physical and virtual performance in a new genre known as “phygital” competition.

Events will include hybrid formats like Phygital Football and Phygital Shooter, where participants’ success is measured by their performance across both real-world and virtual platforms.

Thousands of athletes, clubs, and spectators from around the world are expected to attend the multi-sport event, which aims to redefine the future of competitive sports.

ASPIRE, the program development arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council, has been named the UAE Delivery Authority for the event, responsible for coordination, innovation strategy, and funding alignment, while Ethara will serve as the Event Delivery Partner, managing logistics, venue operations, and fan engagement.

“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, adding that the UAE’s ambitious approach to sport and technology makes it an ideal host for the 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,” Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, stated.

Beyond the main competitions, the event will feature VR fan zones, cultural activations, and technology showcases, building on the momentum of the inaugural edition, which drew over 2,000 athletes from more than 100 countries and attracted over 300,000 fans worldwide.